I had been searching for a career to bring out all the things that I felt that I stood for in life, an honest, trustworthy, understanding caring person who listened intently with family friends and colleagues. I feel that I have a very natural warmth and easy-going manner when it comes to understanding people's emotions and reactions.
After much soul searching throughout the years, I found The Coaching Academy online offering a Free 2-Day event in Manchester. I didn't really know an awful lot about Life Coaching, but from the details provided I decided to give it a whizz – as people say, nothing ventured nothing gained…
I arrived on my own at the chosen venue, feeling nervous but excited; most people had come with someone else, this didn't faze me. I met such a diverse crowd of probably over 150 people. The event began. We listened to various experts from TCA and we all took part in different practical sessions, and the atmosphere was electric. By the end of Day 2, I knew I had found exactly what I had been looking for all these years, a career that I could feel a passion for and encompassed all the natural skill sets that I had within. Wow, I came away absolutely buzzing, when could I start?
So my coaching journey began - I enrolled within the week, and the box of materials arrived. I had heard that this could be overwhelming at first and to a certain extent it was. With time put aside to go through TCA website and a few support calls from the helpful team, I soon got the hang of the format that I should follow.
I had mentally given myself 12 months to complete the qualification and I started a weekly planner for completing the modules and webinars. I made sure that I would NOT put any of the 5 practical sessions off and delay just because they made me nervous - I wanted to stay on track as much as possible.
I entered the first Accelerator Day (OW) with excitement, and was faced with all sorts of people who had very different reasons for wanting to complete their qualification and it was very interesting to see how each tutor taught their modules. From Kris with his self-assured, funny (well, sometimes) quick, high energy presentations to a more chilled Pam Lidford, this made for variety at its best.
I always went home totally enthusiastic about wanting to coach what I had just learnt and put it into practice. I made connections through the e-community and at the Accelerator Days and began the process of taking the bull by the horns overcoming the fear and just getting on with my first ever coaching session. Yes, I did falter and feel self-conscious and stutter through most of the first few sessions not knowing if I was doing the right thing trying to get the handle on the GROW model. But I soon became fearless and decided it was only I who could move this forward in terms of making a dream become a reality.
The mentoring sessions were very useful and I would keep a list in between each mentoring session of things I needed to discuss so that I could move forward. Keeping on track is vitally important and not letting any negative mind chatter take over even when things just don't go according to plan such as a session or a practical are all things to learn from, there is no such thing as failure!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the aspects of this qualification and feel that the variety of home study, Accelerator Days, meeting new people have propelled me forward. There is always help at the other end of the phone or e mail and you certainly don't have to have any wobbles or start to procrastinate if you feel stuck at any time. The support of the staff and other coaches make you want to succeed.
I qualified with a Distinction which I am very proud of and have started my own coaching practice, MichelleKross. I am always pushing myself out of my comfort zone and going through the fear - after all life is for living and you should always know that you have tried your best to fulfil your dreams.
If Michelle’s words have inspired you and you feel that Coaching could be a potential full or part time opportunity for you, or if you would just like to know a little more about what Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com
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