Growth is a matter of choice.
And that’s a fact.
It’s all about making the most of each and every experience that you have and turning them into stepping stones to help you reach your biggest goals.
Though quite challenging at times, especially when life throws you a curve ball and knocks you off track.
However, what I have realized based on actual experience, is that stressing over things beyond my control or complaining over not so good results, won’t really change a thing.
Both bring my own growth to a stand still.
Take this time to quickly reflect:
What did you stress about recently?
How do you think that hindered your growth?
Was it about a missed opportunity?
A personal argument?
Hey, before we even continue because this list can go on for sure, please allow yourself to breathe.
It’s ok. It’s not the end of the world.
And you reading this is a testament of just that.
You still have a chance to make things right and grow in the process.
It’s not just about going with the flow at all times. You also have to be very much aware and clear of where you want to go, what you want to achieve and how you intend to make things happen for you. Don’t ever view planning as a waste of time. It’s always best that you come prepared so regardless of the results you may have there after, at least you gave yourself a fighting chance. Take pictures. List them down. Draw charts. Brainstorm with others. Do what works for you in order for you to fully visually and embrace your journey towards growth. Remember though: all these will only work if you stay committed to yourself and your goals, no matter what happens.
2. Listen intentionally without judgments.
Truth be told, you actually learn a lot when you listen. Be humble enough to accept the fact that you don’t know everything and that everyone you meet has an important message to share to you. Do away with your biases and come from a space of openness as you listen for what you need to hear, and not be drowned by what you want for validation. Shameless plug: check out my newly launched #BestMeEver Podcast for things you need to hear in order for you to reflect and recalibrate fully and become your own #bestmeever .
3. Ask questions. Even uncomfortable ones if relevant.
The only way you will know is when you ask. Never hold back when asking questions. For as long as your intentions are clear and you ask them respectfully, it’s ok. My profession as a coach entails me to ask questions that may trigger others but that’s part of my job: to bring awareness and understanding of one’s space through powerful questions. Who knows? The growth you may be looking for is just an answer away.
4. Explore more.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Outside of your comfort zone is where true growth lies. Be curious. Be brave. Allow your beautiful child-like curiosity to come to surface. You will be surprised as to what awaits you on the other side of the fence. And yes, at times, the grass is greener there, with tall, vibrant trees to match.
5. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
You become the 5 people you spend most of your time with so make sure you choose the best ones for you. Cut off any toxic relationship and focus on nurturing ones that genuinely support your growth and challenges you to become better in the process. Seek a mentor among your inner circle and learn openly from each and everyone you choose to surround yourself with. At the end of the day though, make sure that you guys are all in alignment as to what you want to achieve and how you can help each other do just that.
The journey towards growth is never easy but will always be worth it.
One step at a time. One day at a time.
And you will always be, regardless of how big or small your progress is, more than enough.
Coaching can be such a rewarding experience.
And this is based on actual experience.
You see, being a full-time professional coach for several years now, I got to maximize what my coaching practice has to offer: being able to work when and where I want to, being able to help people from all over the world get the breakthroughs they deserve while learning, growing, feeling fulfilled and genuinely happy along the way too.
I often get told by people that they want to pursue the same career because time and location freedom matter a lot to them.
I always tell them the hard truth though: it’s not easy to become a full-time professional coach. Because beyond the seemingly luxurious and freedom-filled lifestyle, is a whole lot of hard work on myself and my clients as well.
At the end of the day, it’s all about having a stable number of happy and satisfied clients and numerous testimonials and referrals based on my work as a coach.
Easier said than done though.
Consider the number of competition you have. Their offers. Their price points. And your chosen niche and practice.
What do you think is making it hard for you to secure coaching clients?
People need to know about you and what you do for them to become interested. How are you maximizing your social media platforms? Are you visible in the platforms where your desired clients are? Do you contribute to online discussions on LinkedIn or Facebook communities? Do you speak in reputable conventions? If you’re too shy or you’re quite uncomfortable showing up as a coach, then this is your sign to think again. As the saying goes, to see is to believe.
2. You don’t have a coaching brand
Amidst a sea of professional coaches, it’s very important to have a coaching brand that stands out from the rest. What do you represent in the coaching space? Who’s your market? What and how are you communicating? If you’re still unclear about these, then perhaps it contributes to the confusion your audience has about you. And for those with discriminating tastes, being just like one of the many won’t really make their cut.
3. Your price point needs adjustment
I always say that it’s important to put value on ourselves and in what we do best. In relation to that, we must also be humble enough to acknowledge our capabilities, credentials and body of work at present. This means that the goal is that you must be worth more than what you charge for. So if you’re only beginning in your practice, settle with an entry level rate. Work your way up. Go the extra mile. Let your value increase as you gather receipts of success consistently. Never overpromise. Never overprice. Make sure always that your prospective customers see you as a worthy investment of their time, money and resources. Remember: highly paid coaching superstars don’t happen overnight. So take your time and do the necessary work so you can charge as much.
4. There’s no rapport
A chemistry session presents the perfect opportunity to determine if there’s a fit between the coach and coachee. Question is: how do you present yourself during a chemistry session? Quick tip: never take for granted free sessions such as this. Just show up as your authentic self as you get to know the client better, genuinely listen and ask powerful questions. The goal should not be just to earn per se as you close the deal, but rather, make a positive lasting impression. Don’t go too hard sell. That breaks the intimacy of the session.
5. You don’t have client testimonials
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful form of marketing. Your reputation precedes you. The question is: what can you show to showcase the amazing results that you deliver? Who can vouch for you? What are your clients saying about partnering with you for their growth? Shared experiences matter a lot. After all, investing on one’s self and one’s growth is one of the best investments a person can make so make yourself highly bookable via the good reviews your clients have given you. No amount of online advertisement can compensate for authentic reviews in the long run. So if you’re just starting, give as many free sessions as you can and secure client testimonials from them. Focus on building your credibility first.
Hopefully you can take a step back and assess which of these aspects need work on your end.
Remember to be patient with yourself and your growth as a coach though.
Because when you’re truly ready, your clients will come.
Fact: Work is not life.
But that doesn’t mean you have to take whatever job you have just to pay the bills.
With the exception of those undergoing much financial stress and left with no option, of course.
I mean seriously, how do you find the job you have now?
I want you guys to reflect:
How’s the job you have now? The environment you’re working in? The perks?
Come from a space of honesty and realize by doing so, you allow yourself to acknowledge what you need to act on and how to go about the next steps there after.
And no, this is not a call for you to resign or quietly quit. So please tell your boss and the HR not to blame me. Haha!
This is your sign to just assess the space you’re in and give yourself what is due: the recognition of your own needs and wants and how your present job fits in.
Admittedly though, it’s not easy to start from scratch. Take it from me who gave up a lucrative but highly successful career in advertising and marketing after 15 years to pursue professional coaching full time. It was indeed a humbling journey.
However, truth be told, it was all worth it.
Because for me, coaching full time is far more rewarding as I help people from all over the world discover and become their own #bestmeever, working wherever and whenever I wanted, compared to just staying inside the four walls of my corner office while building brands and waiting for the clock to strike 5 or sometimes even until overtime work is done.
Before you even go to it, please remember that “I’m OK” is not synonymous to being genuinely happy. Being genuinely happy means waking up inspired each day to go to work, enjoying the company of people around you, seeing the silver linings in adversity while being grateful for the growth your job provides you. It also means being content in your space because what you do, where you are and who you work with makes your heart smile daily.
2. Am I able to maximize all my skills and potentials?
Your skills and talents are gifts. Use them to your advantage, in order for you to grow and change lives there after. Are you able to do that in your current space? Are you given key opportunities to showcase what you can do and be empowered to go beyond your limits? Remember: you can only grow as much as you allow yourself to….and as much as your chosen space lets you. Think about that.
3. What does my current job have to do with my life purpose?
Living your purpose each and every single day means having a job that can bring you closer to your long term goals. Inquire within: what do you think are you meant to do in life? How is your job related to that? Change what you must but never give up on what you feel you’re truly meant to be. You have a unique purpose in this life time. Live it.
4. What’s my biggest “What if….” in terms of my career?
Do you experience having that nagging question inside your head? Do you keep on asking yourself how things could have been so different had you taken a different job offer or pursued a new career altogether? As you age, you begin to realize that it’s more important to tick off items in your bucket list than just settle for the sake of. So at this point in time, what would you really, really want to tick off? Just be honest.
5. What job won”t be a “job” for me?
I always ask this question: if there was one thing that you would like to do, over and over again, even if you’re not paid, what will it be? That’s your dream job, no matter what that may look like. However, it takes a whole lot of honesty to accept that, accountability to pursue it and commitment to make it truly happen just the way you envisioned it. The good thing though: hard as it may seem, it will always be worth it to have a job that gives you the most happiness, peace and fulfillment.
I know by this time you are probably in deep thoughts about your current job and space.
Don’t hurry. Let everything sink in and take your time to think about what’s next for you.
Because whatever it may be, you will always know what’s best for you.
