To be honest, a year ago, working with a coach wasn’t high on my list. So why did I start working with one and why did I even turn it into my career?
Let me start at the beginning. I had a hard time choosing what kind of studies I wanted to do. Like many others, I started a study, didn’t like it and dropped out. After that I thought hard and long about what it was that I wanted to do then, but somehow still followed advice from parents and others around me. I started Law School and didn’t love everything about it, but what I did love were the more philosophical courses, the courses that had a lot to do with people and had a humanistic approach and I really felt the need to help those who’ve had personal injury. So I chose to do a masters in Health Law. However, after graduating, I couldn’t find a job. I was not experienced enough, I was too young, or they just encountered budget cuts. I ended up working at the Provincial Government, in a job that I didn’t like and didn’t give me the space to work on what I’m passionate about: helping others. So I felt stuck. Almost 2,5 years later, my husband and I ended up moving to Canada. I thought, this was it, my opportunity to change up my career, pursue what I really wanted to do. Only to find out that, along the way, I kind of lost what it was that I wanted to do.
So, now what? I thought I could figure it out myself. I always loved fashion, (interior) styling and my job working in a fashion boutique during my studies. Other people around me told me that I never liked Law School and that fashion or (interior) styling could be something for me. So I thought that this might be my thing. I got into photography and also took photos of outfits that I wore. But I was never satisfied, it didn’t fulfil me. I was back again. Doubting myself, not knowing what I wanted, hearing only the voices from other people (who obviously meant well). I kind of lost track of my own voice and I started to take over the expectations that (I thought) others had of me. But every time I tried something, I ended up being back at the beginning. And then I didn’t even try anything anymore, which led to me not feeling very well. At that point, I knew I needed someone to help me figure this out and I started looking for a coach.
In my search for a coach I looked at different websites, asked around if someone had a good experience with a specific coach and I decided to have some sample sessions. I actually chose the coach I had my first (and only) sample session with, because I really had a good feeling about working with her. And soon I discovered I was so hung up on expectations other people had of me, or more precise, on expectations I thought other people had of me. I slowly learned to let go of this and started listening to my real voice again. It was actually very clear on what it was that I wanted in life: helping other people. And through these sessions I started gaining more and more clarity and even more confidence in myself (let me tell you, still not there yet, but we’re all continuously learning right?!). With that I figured out that I wanted to become a coach myself. And so I started.
If I look back to how I felt about myself, about my goals and even my purpose in life a year ago, I can truly say my life has changed so much for the better. And I wish this for everyone. To feel good about themselves and to know what they want to do in life, whatever that might be for them. I really believe a (life) coach can help make space to hear your own voice again and can help to pursue what it is you want in life. Working with a coach is an investment in yourself.
For me it was definitely the best investment I’ve made this year!
