What do people bring to a coaching session?

Working full time as a coach, I have the honour of being let behind the curtain to explore what is really going on for people. Of course, what happens between my clients stays that way, every conversation is confidential and does not leave the room. But what I wanted to share are themes that come up over and over for people, no matter what the "topic" they arrive with.

My goal is to demystify coaching by helping you to see what others come to sessions with, and how they work through it.

This week, I will start by sharing one of the most common themes that bubbles through almost every call... It sounds something like this....

• "Everyone around me seems to have more ___"

• "I am the only one that can't ___"

• "Why does no one else seem to care about ____?"

• "How can everyone else make ___ work, except me?"

• "I can't be around ___. What am I doing wrong?"

To summarise very crudely, the sentiment is "it seems to be me that is the problem, because everyone else seems to do it effortlessly. I am the only one."

If you can relate to this, then it is proof that you are never the only one, because you are not the only one feeling seen right now in these statements.

When you feel alone, you get smaller and hide away. I have seen first hand that community and human connection are the antidote to "the only one" feeling.

A few months into my 1:1 coaching sessions, seeing this trend over and over, I felt compelled to do something to take the walls down between people all feeling similarly. I created the Shape Your Future group program, to bring people together and create these moments of community and connection. I have run at least 6 groups now and the most fascinating thing happens consistently.

A group comes together to work side by side on their own goals over 6 weeks. Each person joins the first call feeling a little unsure. They have all signed up because they are navigating a moment of change in their lives from planning a career leap, to redundancy, divorce to stepping into a bigger role, all changes are welcome. They join from all different countries, after all having different days.....and yet.....

There is a visible shift when everyone introduces themselves and shares what brought them to the coaching program. People's shoulders drop, they are hooked on each other's stories and by the end of the first hour, the group leave feeling like they are "not the only one". What is so fascinating is that it doesn't matter what their challenges or circumstances are, each person can see in the other a short term struggle but a huge opportunity ahead. They can see beyond the challenge and to all their potential and brilliance.

We are our own worst cheerleaders. To reach your full potential, you need people in your corner, who support with authenticity, encouragement & kindness.

If you are craving a boost of clarity and confidence as you navigate a moment of change in your life, do not go it alone! I have opened a waitlist for my next 6-week group coaching program . This is the space for you if you are ready to take control of what happens next in your life and stop waiting around for someone to come and do the work for you.

Spaces are limited to max of 6 to ensure quality connections. If you are curious about trying coaching, with the support of a group, schedule a call here and we can have a chat about how this group might work for you (with no commitment or pressure).

Life is too short to be hiding away wondering how everyone else is living a perfect life.

If you catch yourself in these thought, jot them down and ask yourself some of the following questions:

• "What could I not be seeing in their story?"

• "Am I comparing my Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20?"

• "If a friend told me they felt this way, what would I say to them?"

• "What is one thing in my 'unedited' life that I am genuinely proud of today?"

• "Is this person’s 'win' actually a priority for my own life?"

• "What could I do with the energy I’m currently using to watch them?"

Any questions or ideas you would like to share, I would love to hear them. You can reach me any time at hello@thebiglifeproject.ie and on my social channels (LinkedIn and Instagram)