How coaching has added value to my life:
When I think about how coaching has added value to my life I am astounded at what a transformation there has been, in me, my relationships and my overall level of happiness. When I came to PSG I knew I was looking for something but I wasn’t quite sure what exactly that was, or why. I’d recently had my first baby and thought that completing the diploma course would give me some sense of direction, help me ‘find myself’ or who I was pre-baby hoping that it’d inspire me to be more focused at work. What I gained was a true sense of self, clarity around my priorities, an amazing support network and the ability to not sweat the small stuff
I’ve always been in the world of people management and people development, I thought I was a pretty good coach. My people got great results, progressed professionally and I’ve always been the go-to person for career advice, interview preparation, etc.. What I didn’t realise was how much mentoring I was doing, I was great at giving direction. People talk about the difference between coaching and mentoring, in my environment those two things were interchangeable and what I was doing wasn’t really coaching. I wasn’t giving people the opportunity to be in the driver seat, I was taking control to move things along at my pace and was not focused on the person or the journey they were on
Prior to starting my diploma course I spoke with a colleague who had completed the course the previous year, she told me that working with PSG changed her life. I thought Wow! This is either an amazing journey or extreme exaggeration, I’m glad to say she hit the nail on the head as coaching has changed my life. I’d never done much work on my values and this was a real eye opener, I went to PSG to learn and develop professionally but I didn’t put much thought into what the impact would be on me personally. Spending time working on values, boundaries and understanding my own definition of success really helped me to re-prioritise, focus on what is important to me and allowed me to settle into my new role as a working mum
What became abundantly clear to me through coaching is that I was neglecting myself and focusing on things that weren’t important to me. A wise woman asked me ‘do you want to thrive or survive?’ that really hit home for me. It had never occurred to me that I was in survival mode, I’ve always been strong minded and independent, not one to ask for help but when powerful questions led me to this realization it was a real wake up call. Coaching has enabled me to ask for help, realise the importance of having an accountability partner, focus only on what’s important to me and my family and also say No to things that don’t benefit me or my goals. I want to thrive and deserve to do so! Coaching has allowed me to see the value in making myself a priority in my own life
There were so many unexpected and amazing learnings through my journey with PSG, it’s hard to call them all out. Personally, my relationships changed for the better, I’m more present now and less stressed which has had a positive knock on effect in both my family and professional life. What I really didn’t anticipate were the relationships that were built, the friendships that developed and the support that was given. I found a study group that were like minded, and most importantly fun, this group of individuals ‘The Crackers’ as we named ourselves were one big cheer leader willing everyone to succeed and celebrating successes. Without an ounce of judgement this group became the driving force behind my success, highlighting wins and progress when self-doubt crept in. I’m so happy to say that this is still an active group and a wonderful support network to be part of
Since completing my diploma(s) I have set up my own coaching business, for the longest time I have wanted to work for myself but self-doubt and fear always got in the way. Partnering with a coach and being part of a supportive network such as QCC has really helped me to take the plunge and go for it. I count myself lucky to have been on this journey with such wonderful people, mentors and accountability partners and I’m looking forward to the next chapter
Brene Brown said “Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are” what a wise woman
Check For More this coming Friday…
Bio: Gillian O’Donohue
Gillian O’Donohue is mum to a 2 year old boy Casey and partner to Gareth based in Co Meath. Gillian has a background in people management, and development, and training working in multinationals spanning the last 15 years. Gillian holds a diploma in Life & Executive coaching as well as an accredited diploma in coaching with neuroscience. Gillian is also working towards a certificate in career coaching. Gillian is a licenced ECR practitioner and workshop facilitator
Contact details:
@perpetual_coach
FB: perpetualpotential
Ph: 087 6788283
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