I Became a Certified Life Coach to Have the Tools to Coach Myself
Here's how you can experience what transformed my life.
In 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, I decided to invest in myself by completing training to become a certified life coach.
I started this journey to coach myself through a tough time and eventually began taking on a few clients.
Here are the top things I learned from my journey as a certified life coach.
What I Learned as a Certified Life Coach
Self-Awareness is Key Â
Understanding your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is crucial. It helps you see patterns and areas that need improvement. Keep a daily journal to track your emotions and reactions. Reflecting on them weekly can provide valuable insights.
Setting Clear Goals Â
Having specific, measurable, and time-bound goals gives you direction and motivation. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone to keep your momentum going.
Active Listening Â
Listening deeply to others—and yourself—uncovers underlying issues and fosters empathy. Practice active listening by focusing fully on the speaker (or yourself), avoiding interruptions, and reflecting on what's said.
The Power of Questions Â
The right questions lead to profound insights and self-discovery. Ask yourself open-ended questions like "What do I really want?" or "What's holding me back?" to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Mindset Matters Â
A positive mindset fuels resilience and growth. It helps you see challenges as opportunities. Practice gratitude daily. Identifying three things you're grateful for daily can positively shift your mindset.
Action and Accountability Â
Consistent action and accountability lead to progress. Set up a system of accountability, whether through a friend, a coach, or a habit tracker.
Self-Care and Boundaries Â
Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally ensures you have the energy and resilience to achieve your goals. Prioritize self-care activities and set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Flexibility and Adaptability Â
Being open to change and adjusting your plans helps navigate life's uncertainties. Embrace a growth mindset. View setbacks as learning opportunities and adjust your approach accordingly.
How to Coach Yourself: A Blueprint
Here are the tools I learned - feel free to adapt them. By following these steps, you'll develop self-awareness, set clear goals, practice active listening, and more. Let's get started!
1. Self-Reflection
Task: Regularly assess your current state, your goals, and what's working or not.
- Action: Spend 10 minutes each day journaling about your thoughts and feelings. At the end of each week, review your entries to identify patterns and insights.
2. Create a Vision
Task: Define what success looks like for you. Visualize your ideal life and the steps needed to get there.
- Action: Create a vision board with images and words that represent your goals and aspirations. Spend time each day visualizing this ideal life.
3. Develop a Plan
Task: Outline the steps needed to achieve your goals. Break them down into actionable tasks with deadlines.
- Action: Use a planner or project management app to list your goals and break them into smaller tasks. Set deadlines for each task and track your progress.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Task: Be kind to yourself, especially during setbacks. Understand that growth takes time and effort.
- Action: Whenever you face a setback, write down three positive affirmations to counter self-critical thoughts. Practice saying these affirmations daily.
5. Seek Support
Task: Seek support from friends, mentors, or other coaches for additional perspectives and encouragement.
- Action: Identify three people who support and inspire you. Schedule regular check-ins with them to discuss your progress and challenges.
6. Evaluate and Adjust
Task: Regularly review your progress and make necessary adjustments.
- Action: Set aside time monthly to review your goals, celebrate achievements, and plan for the upcoming month. Adjust your strategies as needed based on your reflections.
Integrating these steps into your daily routine can effectively help you guide yourself toward achieving your personal and professional goals.
Remember, the journey of self-improvement is ongoing, and every step you take is progress.
Go design your life!