How coaching has added value to my life:

For years I walked around thinking I knew what coaching was. I thought I was a coach. I even trained other people on how to be one. There were parts of it that I loved; the listening skills, asking the tough questions and letting the person find the answer for themselves. Other parts didn’t sit well with me; the focus on targets, the one size fits all approach, the two-dimensional feel, but I carried on none the less, none the wiser. There came a time when I found myself wanting more so I went in search of a coach for myself. Luckily for me, she trained with PSG and so the journey began.

I finally found what I was looking for in a coach – the positive challenge, the stretch thinking, the values, the beliefs and everything in between. I went to the coach looking to discuss my career options, I felt stuck and unchallenged by my work. I knew I had more to give, and potential to unlock, little did I know that I was the one holding the key all along. Looking back to that first session and to see where I am now, so much has changed for the better, in such a short space of time. If you had told that nervous me waiting in the hotel lobby where I’d be now, I wouldn’t have believed you. Coaching has changed that. Now, I truly believe I am creative, resourceful and whole. I was the only thing getting in my way, not my boss, not my family, me. I went to coaching for one thing but left with so much more.

Having experienced a quality coach, I knew I couldn’t go back to doing things the old way. I had to know what she knew. I wanted to be that kind of coach for other people so I signed up to the Advanced Diploma in Coaching with Neuroscience at the first opportunity and I’ve been learning and growing as a coach and a human ever since. I find myself always asking, what’s next? What more can I learn? My professional coaching in particular added value and I’m still reaping the benefits. I changed jobs, career path and even moved county. While all of that is amazing, it’s the little things that make the big difference; the self-talk, the enabling beliefs, the ability to press pause. That’s value added to everyday living.

Working on my values was a key ingredient for me. It surprised me how I had managed to navigate that far in life without ever really considering them. Now I don’t look sideways without consulting my values and the wholesystem impact. It makes life a lot simpler; as a coach, a client, a friend, a daughter. Values are the gift that keeps on giving. The information was always there, only now I can understand it.

My friends and family will testify to the positive change in me since I found coaching but more importantly, I can see it, feel it and live it. There is no better feeling than showing up for your client and serving their agenda. It is the lasting change that makes quality coaching different and where the lasting value comes in.

If you are someone who is considering coaching, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Find a coach that’s right for you and the rewards are endless. The value coaching has added and continues to add to my life is endless. With every CPD hour, every course and every client I add more value to my life and to me, that’s priceless. As Brene Brown says “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”

Check For More this coming Friday…

Bio: Clara O’Keeffe

Clara has an Advanced Diploma in Executive, Life and Neuroperformance Coaching as well as a Certificate in Neurowellness Coaching from PSG. She continues to learn and grow as a coach through CPD to bring her clients the latest thinking in coaching. She is an experienced trainer and L&D professional with a passion for people and their development. Clara is an assistant facilitator for student coaches working towards their diploma with PSG in Cork.

Contact info:

Clara O’Keeffe

0851208012

CoachingwithClara@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/clara-o-keeffe

WACN: https://www.wacn.global/licenced-coach/clara-okeeffe/