BECOME WHO YOU WERE MEANT TO BE
& LIVE WITH MORE FREEDOM AND JOY
R
Let’s say we mutually decide to form a client / coach partnership. Our first order of business is to review. You tell me your story; a synopsis of where you have come from, and why you are now seeking change in your life. This is also the time when together, we review the coaching agreements and guidelines, so you know what to expect from our time together.
E
Now you get to educate me about who you are as a person. It’s my job to get really curious, and to ask you questions so I can learn as much about you as possible. This will solidify our coaching relationship moving forward. You can educate me as much as you like. Tell me about your work, hobbies, family dynamics, personality, and what makes you really come alive.
L
You can help me understand your lifestyle. This includes the daily rhythm of your life: the foods you eat, typical sleep habits, exercise routines, work and life balance, family activities, etc. This is also a good time to let me know about anything in your lifestyle that you might be interested in addressing during our coaching time. (e.g. getting more sleep to improve mood during the day, etc.)
A
Airplane view! In other words, long range goal-setting. Imagine you can see your life from a thousand feet up, looking down. Where do you want to be headed? How does the landscape appear? What future challenges are you going to be facing? This is a time when we can brainstorm together about the airplane view of your life. What does it look like today, and how do you want it to change?
X
X stands for examine. We will return to this aspect time and again over the course of our coaching time together. I invite you to begin to examine your internal world with interested curiosity. This is the world of your thoughts, and your feelings about life, toward yourself, and others. What’s your view of the world? How would you like it to change? Becoming more self aware is half the battle!
E
Yep that’s right. This is going to take some effort! Time spent on self improvement is always worth it, but it can be a challenge! You’re about to learn new skills: how to live in a relaxed body; how to nurture yourself, and live with more intention and purpose. New habits will be formed. Personal effort is a very real part of the journey. And I just happen to believe you have what it takes!
D
The coaching journey is like a road trip. You’ve got the steering wheel. I’m merely in the passenger seat as a mentor and friend. There are many symbols linking the coaching experience to driving. (e.g. to drive well, you must frequently look in the rear view mirror–your past–but not dwell there). We will return to the driving analogy many times throughout our coaching relationship.
C
Childhood is the time when we formulate life-long beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. In fact, our world view is firmly in place by age 12. Processing childhood difficulties, beliefs and early patterns of relating can be very valuable in understanding the dysfunction of today. We will spend ample time on this topic during our coaching sessions.
A
Addictions are a common distraction from pain or anxiety. We’ll look closely and compassionately at any addictive patterns you may be experiencing. Addiction may be to a substance (e.g. alcohol), or to a behavior (e.g. sex or over eating). There are also addictions to work, to people pleasing, or to mindless internet use. What’s your escape pattern? Let’s explore it!
R
Relationships are the essence of being human. From the womb, we are wired for connection. You’ll have opportunity to explore your relationships, both past and present. Which relationships bring you joy? Which bring you pain? What would you like to change about your relationships? You’ll learn to take measurable steps toward that change!
E
Oh that we were taught emotion management in school! It would have made life a lot easier. Many of us have great difficulty identifying emotions, processing them, or fully feeling them. Why? We may not have had emotions modeled well at home. The normal emotions of fear, anger and sadness may feel threatening. Together we’ll untangle the feelings, and put words and meaning to your emotions.
G
Goal-setting is a vital aspect of becoming a mentally and emotionally healthy adult. Goals should be measurable, attainable and specific. Nebulous goals leave us feeling confused and unmotivated. I believe you are capable of making great strides forward. You can learn how to set specific goals for yourself that will move you toward lasting change. This is exciting!
I
The internal world of every human is rich and varied. This world consists of our thoughts, our feelings, impressions, judgments and beliefs. We’ll spend much time on this topic. The way we problem-solve, relate to others, and tackle difficulty has everything to do with our internal world. It’s like wearing a pair of glasses. The lens of our internal world creates the reality in which we live.
V
Valid science is an important part of the transformation process. I’ll share as much as I can with you on the science of brain chemistry, emotional regulation, and neurobiology. This knowledge will underpin the methods we’ll use in your journey toward greater wholeness. We’ll validate the process through methods that have brought success to others.
E
In our journey toward greater wellbeing, environmental factors have a great deal to do with our success. Such factors include diet, hydration, exercise, rest, and work-life balance. Our every-day environment affects how well we are coping with stressors. Sometimes even a small environmental change can make all the difference in mental and emotional health.
R
Regular re-assessment is vital. As you work toward greater life wholeness and clarity, we’ll routinely re-assess your personal goals. You’ll gain understanding about what parts of your life need continued work, and where you are experiencing success. We celebrate your successes and create new goals to best nurture your soul. The result? You’ll bless the world with who you were always meant to be!
