I was recently asked when did I know it was the right time to start training as a life coach? My answer is always the same: I knew that there would never be a ‘right’ time, so I just had to begin.
We do not need to be perfect and living picture-book lives to be a life coach, because our ‘imperfections’ are our strengths. We may have low confidence or feel like our life isn’t in order. One of my ‘imperfections’ was a deeply rooted fear of public speaking. Before giving a presentation, my legs would turn to jelly, my heart would race, and because my anxiety levels were so high it wasn’t an enjoyable experience.
So, I started making excuses not to do it, both to other people and myself. I missed out on opportunities to appear on TV and radio to promote my business. I was constantly in my panic zone. At a time when I was tired of always saying ‘no’, I started training with The Coaching Academy. Not long afterwards, when I started coaching entrepreneurs, I realised that it would be a real benefit to help some of them with public speaking and presenting. I would turn my fear into my strength.
1. Our imperfections often shape our coaching journey.
Who better to coach public speaking than someone who used to have the exact same fear and had overcome it? I had been there. I had ducked out of meetings last minute and made excuses that even I didn’t believe. I know what it does to your self-esteem when you are constantly saying no to things that your heart is urging you to try. Because of that experience I had true empathy with my clients, and I was passionate about it. If I could do it, so could they.
2. Look at the positive traits and behaviours you already have.
Are you supportive? Do you treat others with empathy rather than sympathy? Are you trusted by those closest to you with confidential information? Are you a good listener? Do you want to help people?
These are just a few of the traits that make the best coaches. Focus on what you have to offer, rather than where you think you fall short.
3. Our panic zone can still be approached.
How did I get over my fear of public speaking? I took it in tiny steps so I could remain calm (I’ll be writing more about approaching panic zones soon). Through coaching, I learnt that I couldn’t just jump into my panic zone and expect my body not to react. So, I took it slowly and built up to it.
I soon discovered the secret that if you’re living up to your potential, then you will always be in your stretch zone – you will want to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Because the perfect coach is the imperfect coach. Those traits we try to hide from the world allow us to connect with others on a level that only two people who have had similar experiences can do. They make us human. No one really wants a perfect coach who wins at everything they try and has no way of understanding the challenges others face. Because if you don’t have any flaws, how can you relate?
Where would I be if I had decided to wait until I was flawless before training to become a coach? I don’t think I would be here, writing this. Turn your imperfections into your strengths. Because the ideal life we each dream of is created, not delivered. Here at The Coaching Academy, we’d love to help you to open the door on coaching as a possibility for your future too...
We do this with our free 2-hour Introduction to Life Coaching Webinar. You learn about starting a new career as a coach on one of these calls, learn some coaching tools to help give you a flavour of the work, and see a coach session in action. To book your free place today click here!
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.
