Finding inner strength: From Long Covid to coaching success

In April 2020, just after the first lockdown in the UK, I became extremely unwell with Covid-19. Little did I know that my symptoms would go on to last for just over two years and I would lose the ability to walk and be completely housebound. The symptoms I was suffering from and the extreme fatigue I was experiencing became grouped together and subsequently became known as Long Covid.

I was forced to resign from the job I loved after 18 months of sick leave, and although this was a devastating decision for me to make, I knew it was essential for my recovery and recuperation.  In the latter stages of my recovery, I began mentoring other Long Covid sufferers as I felt drawn to provide them with a safe and friendly space to talk and knew how important it was to have someone understand the extraordinary symptoms of Long Covid. I also wanted to offer advice and guidance regarding recovery as I felt I had the experience and knowledge of the condition to benefit others in their recovery journey. 

I was hooked with the coaching experience

After a few months of providing advice, I investigated into having a qualification to back up my mentoring to provide me with credibility in my support. I came across The Coaching Academy and attended the free 'Introduction to Life Coaching' webinar with Mike Blissett. It soon became apparent that coaching and mentoring were completely different. However, I was instantly hooked with the coaching experience and knew that this was now the path I wanted to follow.

I was able to start my coaching diploma straight away as I was at home recovering and could easily attend all the workshops and live online training. My fascination with coaching and the profound effect it was having on myself and my peers was instantaneous and I became immersed in all of the coaching training. I was meeting the most inspirational and extraordinary people on my journey and I was captivated by the shift in mindset that I was experiencing. I was witnessing the most powerful and positive transformations and was starting to comprehend just how much coaching can provide people with strength, resilience and the belief to fulfil their potential when offered the correct support and encouragement.

Developing a new perspective and outlook

My positive and inspiring experience with the Coaching Academy gave me a new focus and direction and I can honestly say that it was instrumental in my recovery. It helped me develop a new perspective and outlook, which in turn opened up fresh opportunities and ideas for progression. I qualified as a coach after 12 months of training and have now set up my own business, New Vision Coaching, and specialise as an Anxiety, Stress and Confidence Coach. I also still provide Long Covid Mentoring, however the two interventions are profoundly different, but can also occasionally be very much intertwined.

During my training sessions I recognised that many pro-bono clients had issues around anxiety and confidence and that these concerns were preventing them from achieving their goals and aspirations. I completed extra training with the Coaching Academy in both of these fields and feel I now have the training, skills and first hand knowledge to support anyone in overcoming these barriers and achieving anything that they put their mind to.

Looking forward to a bright and exciting future

I would thoroughly recommend a career in life coaching to anyone. My journey of self discovery has been both enlightening and empowering and has provided me with a new outlook and sense of purpose. My confidence has soared and I feel I can now achieve anything. I consider myself completely recovered from Long Covid after two and a half years of symptoms and can now look forward to a bright and exciting future on this new adventure.

I am enjoying working with my new clients and love watching them gain clarity and self awareness, whilst challenging their mindset and helping them achieve goals that had seemed out of reach previously. I also use my new found knowledge of coaching in my everyday life, especially when it comes to achieving my own goals.  I also run a Long Covid Support Group on Facebook.

Take the first steps

I have realised that many people are prevented from accomplishing their goals and dreams due to their goal being too vast and overwhelming. By creating smaller, more achievable steps, everyone can take that first step with confidence and subsequently increase motivation to take the next step on their journey.

I had no idea when I first signed up to The Coaching Academy that by the time I qualified I would also have started my own business and made incredible friendships with the most inspiring people. There is a famous quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It’s the journey that matters, not the destination”.  So, I encourage you to take the first step towards your goal now and ensure you enjoy and savour the exhilarating journey that lies ahead.

Thank you Donna for sharing your inspirational coaching journey with us!   

If you are feeling inspired and would you like to have a coaching business you can run from the comfort of your own home, then join us on our Introduction to Life Coaching webinar - choose from available dates here.