For many years, I had been a fan of mentoring as a tool to support others to progress. I had a vague idea of what coaching was, but it was only when I agreed to be a practice client for someone who was pursuing the coaching qualification with The Coaching Academy that I experienced first-hand what a transformative and empowering process it was.
The most fascinating thing for me was realising that the answers to questions I had been grappling with, lie within me. This exciting discovery spurred me on to help others in the same way that coaching helped me.
I studied for the coaching qualification alongside working full-time. Having done distance learning before, I knew that it would require commitment, determination and discipline in order to complete the qualification within the timescales that I set for myself. I became super organised and set milestones for myself along the way, as well as drafting in an accountability partner to keep me on track. All of the course materials and online resources gave clear guidance about expectations and requirements, so this helped me to organise my time.
"The most fascinating thing for me was realising that the answers to questions I had been grappling with, lie within me."
The most rewarding part of my coaching journey was discovering my own limiting beliefs and replacing those with truthful and empowering statements about myself.
I enjoyed everything I learned, especially how to really listen to others, and ask powerful questions – turns out this was an area in which I really needed to grow! It was encouraging to see my own growth as a coach, as I practised with clients, becoming more confident in my skills and applying the techniques that I picked up along the way.
When it came to deciding on my niche, it was a ‘no-brainer’ for me. I wanted to coach women to courageously go after what they want. I believe that many women hold themselves back because of fear, and self-limiting beliefs.
I set up my business ‘Olivia Pitt Coaching’, working with women on a one-to-one basis, as well as in small groups. I come alive when I’m coaching – it is what I am called to do!
Seeing someone change their mindset and ditch their limiting beliefs to pursue their dream is something that I find incredibly rewarding. I coached a client whose dream was to become a social worker, but she was full of self-doubt, thinking that being older and not having a degree, would make it difficult for her to keep up with the studies.
Following a series of coaching sessions, she plucked up the courage to apply for the course, was accepted, and has since qualified as a social worker.
"Whilst many people have written off 2020 because of the pandemic, I can truly say, achieving my coaching diploma was the highlight of that year for me, and something of which I am immensely proud!"If anyone wants to pursue a career in coaching, my advice would be to complete a course with a reputable organisation such as The Coaching Academy. The learning, tools, techniques, opportunities to practise, and be objectively assessed, were invaluable.
I found the TCA workbooks, videos, and webinars very helpful. As continuous professional development is important, I topped this up with reading coaching-related books, listening to podcasts and watching videos from other reputable coaches. There’s always something to learn!
Whilst many people have written off 2020 because of the pandemic, I can truly say, achieving my coaching diploma was the highlight of that year for me, and something of which I am immensely proud!
Would you like to have a coaching business you can run from the comfort of your own home? The free Introduction to Life Coaching training sessions are available for you to join. They are interactive, informative and designed to help you understand if training to be a life coach is for you.
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The Coaching Academy was established in 1999, and is now the world's largest coaching school.
In that time we have trained over 14,000 people to become life coaches.
We are accredited by the International Coach Federation and the Association for Coaching, and we're rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
