Cathriona came to me through another client and friend for career coaching. We embarked on a fabulous journey together starting with a talent analysis and extending beyond the initially intended career coaching, to life coaching and crafting. Recently, we both felt a major chapter had been written so we did a completion session. Though we may still work together, in a way, it was time to move on.
With her permission, I would like to share some insights she gained from my coaching intervention.
How was coaching beneficial to you?
It was beneficial because it made me realise that, before I could advance in defining the next step in my career, I had to deal with my issues. I realised through the sessions that I sounded like ‘a stuck record’ – going over the same false thoughts, thoughts of what terrible things could/might happen, blowing the ‘dangers’ up. And though I came for career coaching at first, I realised that for me to move on in life, I had to break this ‘false thoughts’ habits first. I hadn’t realised how I was functioning. I thought that if I would just get the right job, I’d be fine.
What were your favourite sessions?
I remember the session where I had my major eureka moment i.e. when I realised that I had precisely those ‘false’ thoughts, identifying these and reminding myself it is not the truth. Dealing with the truth is the key. Truth being, what is actually happening, not what I make of it by adding made up things.
How have you shifted or changed since our first session?
I no longer have the feeling of “dread” in my stomach. I used to have a physical pain there. I still fall into my old habits at times but now I have the tools to realise it and get out. I ask myself “What is the reality now?” and while answering this, I do not allow false thoughts, making it worse than it already is.
What are your main takeaways – what have you learned, accomplished etc.?
If I come away from a situation feeling bad, I analyse why. If I come way feeling good, I refer to my talent analysis to reinforce and develop those talents in me. I now have the tools to make sure I move on and not get stucked. I also listen to my feelings, my instinct. I stop being in my head so much!
What would you like to celebrate?
My current “just do it” attitude.
Cathriona has taken many different steps since we started working together. She is slowly but surely crafting her life as she wants it to be. She has also done an entrepreneur course and joined several groups, which has put her in touch with her tribe – ‘people who are just trying’. This gives her tremendous energy, lots of learning and lots of connections.
Though her new project is still in the make, she feels something is shifting and going into the right direction.
The metaphor she used to describe how she feels now, is a snowball. A snowball going down a slope: there is growth, increasing strength and a momentum filled with energy and positivity.
As for me, it was a great pleasure and honour working with Cathriona. I see an amazingly courageous woman. Cathriona, you are a STAR!
