AD – This post contains gifted services but all thoughts and opinions are my own
The last two years have been some of the most transforming years of my life. And I feel like that growth and transformation has been accelerated this year thanks to the help of other people’s experience and expertise in the form of coaching. Life coaching isn’t something I’d ever considered before 2020 but after having such incredible experiences with it, it’s something I’m unlikely to consider NOT having going forward.
Photo by Sarah Gualtieri on Unsplash
To me, 2020 felt like the perfect time to delve into coaching. After my almost decade long battle with an anxiety disorder, which I have thankfully battled through and come out of the other side. Summer 2019 was the turning point, after breaking down in the nurses office and finally coming to terms with the fact that whilst my anxiety was “better”, I wasn’t progressing any further. I had hit a wall and I needed help breaking through it.
And I sure as heck wasn’t going to sit behind that wall forever.
So I went back to therapy, took anxiety medication for the first time and suddenly, my life exploded. I was doing things and experiencing things I hadn’t been able to do in 8 years. I felt like myself for the first time in forever. And in December 2019, I was officially undiagnosed with anxiety.
So as 2020 rolled around, it was ALL about self growth for me. And I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with 2 amazing coaches this year which has skyrocketed my self growth and confidence. I know life coaching can seem a bit woo to some people but I truly believe it’s not something you can judge until you’ve experienced it yourself.
My experience with Lauren Iles Coaching
I contacted Lauren back in October, when I saw her post in a bloggers Facebook group, asking if anyone would like free coaching sessions in exchange for blog content. This was RIGHT off the back of the first month of coaching I did, so in my own way, I kinda felt like this came to me at the perfect time.
Lauren Iles Coaching works in an interesting way and it allowed me to open my mind and soul to things within a different medium than I’ve done in the past. I had 3 sessions, the first one focusing on my current reality, my second one focusing on my ideal (in my instance, I honed in on my blogging career) and in the final session we worked on my struggles with self confidence and self worth.
Something which I knew I struggled with but nowhere NEAR to the degree that I uncovered in this session with Lauren.
Each session was taken via Facebook video chat and lasted one hour, which was ample time to go through everything and more with Lauren. She also set tasks for me to do between sessions, which included drawing my current reality, which was an interested experience as I can’t remember the last time I did any drawing prior to that!
Lauren herself was absolutely lovely and incredibly easy to open up to. Particularly in the final session where I REALLY opened up about some things I was struggling with, Lauren made it very clear to me that it was okay to be honest with her and with myself and that nothing I was saying made me sound like a bad person.
It felt INCREDIBLE to get so much off my chest in that final session and I honestly felt like a whole weight had been lifted. In just three short sessions, we really got into some stuff that I had clearly buried quite deep as I didn’t even know they were as much of an issue as they are.
But again, Lauren made me feel safe and reassured me that these feelings were normal. She works in a very particular way which is structured but doesn’t feel like it. How each session was designed and what we spoke about flowed seamlessly into the next, peeling back layer after layer of areas of my life I need and want to work on.
Lauren Iles Coaching is also a much more affordable option than others I’ve seen and she also has the credentials to back up her work – which is SO important for something like this. She also offers you a FREE session, to make sure it works for you before you commit.
I really couldn’t recommend Lauren enough, so if you feel like:
- You’re stuck in the same place and unable to move forward
- You need to take more control of your life but you’re not sure were to start
- You need to start a new healthier relationship with YOURSELF
then you need to book yourself in for a free session because you won’t regret it and Lauren is exactly the type of person you need to help you move through the sticky muddy waters and get to where you WANT to be.
5 reasons to consider coaching in 2021:
Now that I’ve shared my own experience with this particular coaching, I’d like to share some reasons why you SHOULD consider coaching in the New Year. Especially if you’re someone who’s a little skeptical – which is totally fine.
You have someone to hold you accountable: Accountability can be a HUGE problem for many people. You have the vision, you have the goals but the procrastination always gets in the way. Having a life coach eliminates this from your life as you have that accountability you need from them to actually DO THE THING.
You get a different perspective on your life and problems: Explaining your situation, life and problems to someone you don’t know is enlightening because they have a completely different perspective from you. And once you hear their perspective, yours starts to change as well.
It will help you create goals, intentions and a PLAN: Perhaps you’re the opposite of the first point and you have the motivation but you just don’t have the vision or the plan to back it up. This is where a life coach can be AMAZING, in helping you create that plan for your future.
It will allow you to connect on a deeper level with another human being: This is one element of coaching I didn’t realise I’d love so much. And which I’ve felt with both of the coaches I’ve met and learned from this year. Getting real and vulnerable with another human being is a magical feeling.
It will feel fu**ing empowering: I’ve not felt more empowered than I have this year, when I actually invested TIME and MONEY in myself. Coming out of each coaching session feels like I’ve just won the lottery and looking back on what I’ve achieved from them is incredible. Do you want that feeling too?
There are so many other reasons why a life coach could be the way forward for you in 2021. I hope you enjoyed reading my experience with Lauren Iles Coaching and don’t forget to check out her website and book your FREE session to see if it’s something for you! Have you ever done life coaching before? Is it something you would consider?
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Great Post Jenny! I’ve also had 3 sessions of life coaching & they were something of a revelation that’s for sure! I can totally understand why you loved it so much anyway. 😊 Xo
I did it for like 9 months and it was a game changer!
I like this!
What are some suggestions you would give to someone that just started? Things you wish you knew before?
Be open minded and be prepared to get emotional! Don’t keep anything in – the more you can let you and address, the more beneficial you’ll find it.
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I also had coaching with Lauren for a blog post, I am still having sessions with her now. You are right in that Lauren makes you realise what you need to work on and come to some realizations that you didn’t know existed.
Ah amazing! She’s great isn’t she?
Amazing post!
Thank you 🙂
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Life coaching can be truly a game changer for so many people. It’s lovely to read a post about someone’s experience and how it helped them to transform their lives! A lovely read and inspirational. Take care and wishing you all the best!
Thank you! It seriously has been incredible!
I Strongly Agreed with you…. <3
Glad you were able to find a great coach. I have also had great experiences working with coaches when needed in specific areas of my life or business. They real kick my rear into gear and don’t put up with foolish excuses. -Andrea
Wow! This is amazing, Jenny! I’m so happy you found Lauren and were able to feel empowered while learning to handle your anxiety. Having a support system and someone to hold you accountable is so important and helps me so much as well! xo
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
It really is. I’ve worked with 2 amazing coaches recently and they’ve both been incredible for me! x
This was so interesting to read and I’m so glad you had such a positive experience with having a life coach. Anxiety is such a debilitating disorder so I’m happy you came out on the other side of it ! All the best with your continued growth this year, lovely !
Thank you lovely!
I have heard of a life coach, and have been intrigued. They sound super helpful, and I’m so glad to hear that you got so much out of your sessions. I’m definitely going to look into it xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thank you 🙂 x
It’s something I’d be interested to look into more x
It sounds like you had an absolutely incredible experience. It’s not something I’ve ever tried or have ever thought about doing, but loved reading about your experience x
Thank you:)
Coaching is something that has always interested me and in the past few months I have begun to consider it for myself as I think it be nice to have someone to hold you accountable and being able to work through a process to follow. Great post!
I’m definitely interested in life coaching and it’s great to hear you had such a positive experience with it. I’ll have to look more into it at some point!
I hope you do it’s amazing! 🙂
I had a chance to meet a life coach once, and while I find it initially weird – misconceptions all along, I know now! – he was such a great energy to be around and experience! Thank you for sharing these two wonderful contacts. x
Ah that’s amazing! It can definitely feel a bit weird at first, for sure!
What a helpful and positive post! Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience. Happy New Year!
Thank you 🙂 Happy New Year!
I’ve never had coaching myself but can relate to that feeling of empowerment you’ve mentioned as I felt the exact same way coming out of my counselling sessions. There really is something magical about finding a supportive and encouraging dynamic that’s free from personal biases like the ones from well intentioned family and friends.
That said, while I was in that zone, I did look into becoming a life coach and was very interested in that path before my life went in several different directions. However I think you would make an amazing life coach Jenny. You’re such a wonderful individual who works hard to bring support and empowerment to enrich other people’s lives! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience of coaching! 🙂
I’m not actually training to be a life coach myself. My life coach is helping me with personal growth and things like that. I don’t think I could do it – I’d be so worried I’d fuck everyone’s lives up hahaha!
I know exactly what you mean! 😅
This is something I’d never considered or thought about before. What I do like is the idea of having someone to make you accountable. It’s far too easy to procrastinate and not actually put in the work. Getting someone else’s perspective must be invaluable too. Sometimes just hearing someone else’s view and ideas opens up your mind to a lot more. I’m glad you’ve had such a positive experience from it xx
I totally agree. Getting those perspectives has been SO helpful!
Coaches can have such a big impact on your life, I’ve noticed the things you mentioned when I was in therapy, she really called me out on my crap when I needed it and I learned so much from it. Great post, thank you for sharing!
I agree. I’ve had the same feelings from therapy and life coaching. So invaluable!
Very good tips on how a life coach can impact your life in a positive way. Sort of like weight watchers and knowing you have to weigh in at some point, makes you more accountable. Gaining a new perspective and seeing a situation in a new light, offers a lot of promise for people wanting to make changes in their life…they are just not sure of exactly how to do that. Great post… Happy New Year to you! We are almost there!!!
I totally agree. There’s so much to be said for having accountability partners and other professionals to aid you in what you struggle with. There’s no point going through it alone!
I follow so many wonderful women and friend coaches on Instagram and I think they can be such a wonderful thing to our lives!
I have studied psychology for my degree and masters and eventually I want to work with mental health to help people. But recently I really would love to train as a life coach because I am so passionate about helping people. This was a nice post xx
Thank you. I’m so inspired by the women I follow who are life coaches!
I love that you found the perfect person to be with and help you uncover your inner thoughts and struggles. It is incredible when you connect with that person who is there to hear you and help you find the path you need to move forward.
It is perfect that Lauren offers a free first session because it is so important to find the right fit when it comes to something as personal as life coaching. The experience you had with her shines through in your passionate writing here.
Thank you for sharing!
I agree, I love that about Lauren, it’s SO helpful to get that taster of how you both work together before you dive in!
Coaching of any kind when done right is very beneficial and transforming. It gives you such a diferent prospective on the same thing and helps you grow so much. Happy new year
Does she have prices listed on her site? I can’t find them 😅
No she doesn’t, she’ll send you price lists if you email her or book a 30 minute introductory call.
That’s awesome! I am so glad it was so empowering for you!! I believe in coaching, too, and have had it in the past.
Thank you 🙂 It’s been so empowering!
This looks like something I need right now! I’m behind that wall and not sure where to go from here. Thanks for sharing and thank you for helping me with my goals xx
If you’re behind that wall then this would be amazing for you! Book that free call! You’ve got nothing to lose 🙂
I’ve never thought about using the services of a a life coach before, but it does seem to have it’s benefits! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It really does. I hadn’t considered it until last year and it’s changed my life.
I’ve always thought about doing something like this, Lauren sounds amazing! It’s lovely to hear about how coaching was for you. I can definitely see how it would help make you feel like a huge weight has lifted off of your shoulders. xx
She was amazing. So insightful!
I’ve heard about life coaching before and I’m so intrigued. It sounds really empowering and motivating. I know all too well about feeling stuck but not too sure where to start. I’m so glad it’s been an amazing experience for you x
http://thesydneysider.com/
It sure has! It’s been an incredible experience.
This is such an interesting post. I’ve never thought about using the services of a life coach before but it sounds like something I could definitely benefit from.
Book that free call! You’ve got nothing to lose 🙂
I have been considering looking into coaching in 2021 with a focus on my blogging career. If I took one thing out of 2020, it’s that I now believe that I can actually make this a career that I can live off and retire off – before, it was always just ‘extra income’. That being said, I know that I have A LOT to learn if I’m going to take everything to the next level!
That’s amazing that you’ve realised that and you TOTALLY could!
I’ve never had life coaching before but after reading about your experience, I’d definitely be interested in trying it! I think the New Year is the perfect time to give this a go xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Book that free call! 🙂 xxx
Sounds like an amazing experience! I’m so glad you found layers that needed peeling back. You are also going to be an amazing coach Jenny. Way to go on opening up with your coach and sharing that with us.
God so many layers haha! I don’t think I could be a life coach. They seriously know their stuff!
Amazing post! This seems like a wonderful experience. And this is definitely something I want to try. I suffer from anxiety so I think coaching is what I need at the moment
That’d be amazing for you. Why don’t you book that free call? You’ve got nothing to lose!
I tried coaching for the first time this year and absolutely loved it! It was only a few sessions that ceased due to COVID but would love to pick it back up at some point next year. I agree with you, it’s a great tool for self-development and growth and more people should give it a go. Thank you for sharing!
So glad to hear you had a great experience with it too!
Great post! I’ve heard good things about life coaches and I am definitely tempted!
Would highly recommend!
I know a few people who have had coaches help them grow their businesses and they rave about it. I’ve never thought about actually becoming a coach but I’m excited to see your work in 2021!
Rosie
I’m not becoming a coach – I definitely couldn’t do that! This coach is helping me with personal growth etc.
This sounds like an incredible experience for you Jenny. It is something I would definitely consider for myself
Although I think I really need to look at some grief counselling this coming year. I’m not sure I can really move forward in life or myself until I’ve worked through that x
I think that’s a great idea. Perhaps both of them hand in hand would be amazing if that’s doale for you. Hope you find the perfect counsellors this year x
Great post! I think it’s important that you’ve shared personal notes in this post, and I’m sure it is a very empowering experience. Thank you for sharing Jenny x
Thank you 🙂 It really was SO empowering!
I loved this so much! One of my best friends is a life coach and I’ve been having sessions with her this year and it’s made the world of difference xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Oh wow that’s amazing!
I definitely agree it can be a really positive thing! Thanks for sharing!