To Me, The Ripple Effect of Being A Coach Begins here

When I began my coaching certification, the course mentors told me ‘you are going to be your first coaching client’. 

Every lesson, and there were many lessons in that course, I first applied to myself.

There were many moments that I found my innate leadership came to the fore; I believed I could be the best coach if I stayed open to the lessons. I knew what I was going to create was so important – this was what my leap of faith out of my old company and old title was all about. Being a coach goes very deep for me in what change I plan to bring to the world.

So deep were the learnings, indeed, there were some dark tunnel moments.

It was only later that I realised what massive change I was making in how I operated, how I thought, my beliefs and how resourceful I was and that I needed to keep being.

The coaching course I chose was one of only 2 recognised by the peak industry body – the International Coaching Federation #ICF. There were no short cuts to calling myself a life coach, the very reason I chose that course, of course.

Crazy to think that the hardest part, technically and in my head, after 17 years of running a successful business, was immersing myself in the 3 sections of Business Modules.

All I can describe my experience of those modules was like (a) poking my eyes out with a blunt stick; and (b) from start to finish of each module it felt like I was swimming through one deep dark tunnel. I just had to keep swimming to get back up to the surface at the other end – send that assessment to the school for marking; then the next tunnel, followed by another, until I got to the final submission of all those damned assessments. The most tedious, drawn out, repetitive… (I’ll stop there!)

My resolve, resilience, focus, patience, intelligence, and persistence were all challenged. But if I was going to be a life coach, and someone came to me, being challenged in a similar way… what a great gift that lesson was for me to have been tested by.

Both my unconscious and conscious minds were having a field day talking to themselves placing bets on whether I’d make it!

I, of course, did Make It! Receiving Certification as a Professional Coach ICF NLP was a very satisfying envelope to open on the day it arrived at the Tewantin Post Office.  

So that was me being my own coaching client first.

During the course of the program I next had the opportunity to (2) coach fellow students in hours of live coaching pracs; then (3) I advertised for pro-bono (free) clients so I could gain more hours of experience. I have to say, it was so worth the effort of practicing and obtaining feedback. That was way before (4) I began coaching real paying clients and I still ask for feedback every 4 weeks to ensure we’re on track.

To me, the visual of a Ripple Effect began there.

I had Katie Wass, graphic designer from Rise and Roar Design create this infographic for one view I have of the Ripple Effect of Coaching. This is the first of two Ripples and pretty self-explanatory. 

This is the ripple effect of me choosing to live my purpose of being a coach.

No. 1, the change had to begin with me and all I’d learned in life, in business and through my studies – that created the first droplet.

That droplet (me) then creates the ripple effect outward, as far out across the pond as I can influence and in how I show up in the world.

To be a role model in the community, in my business; with each client; in precious moments with good friends, and creating magic moments and being present for those I love and whom I’m loved by, the closest to my heart.

Like you, I know to take care of myself first.

That’s something I hadn’t done well, for reasons I now understand much more. In letting go of limiting beliefs, what others say and do, sharing my stories, setting boundaries, and saying NO to others, so I can say YES to myself. 

That’s what opens us up to create powerful ripples as better and true versions of ourselves.

I think it’s about being better within, and so true to ourselves. Aligned to our sense of self and ‘light’, our values, our gifts and our purpose.

That choice to be a better and true version of ourselves, it all brings with it ripples of adventure and fun; sometimes scary, vulnerable, doubtful moments. Loads of lightness, love, passion and creative space that splash those dark, closed moments away. Then the next ripples of new challenge, growth and contribution flow out… and so the ripples continue. 

The longer we’re here, the more we have the opportunity to grow and to contribute and to self-actualise.

For July 2021, given we are just now being put into short-term lockdowns once again, I feel these 2 programs I’m about to tell you about are a fabulous deal, and very worthwhile content – you’ll know which one is the right one for you when you run your eye over the content:

One of those, that relates to this post, is a Balance and Self-Care Personal Coaching Program 1-on-1 with me via Zoom. A Zoom session of 1-hour each week, a dashboard of resources made available to you, at a discount of 50%. (Value $1080, available for a limited number of packages at $540 incl GST). Payment is prepayable, online at time of booking your first session. If payment is by credit/debit card the Stripe merchant fee will be added at time of payment.

The 2nd package is over the same time-frame, via Zoom, and is called Your Extraordinary Goal Setting Personal Coaching Program

As I have clients who come to me for both business and life coaching support, should this Goal Setting work incorporate any business goal setting, or focus, then a % of the program price would be tax deductible. Payment is optional online – should you wish to pay by direct deposit/tax invoice that is an option. Payment is still prepayable before the first coaching session. A Stripe merchant fee will be added at time of payment.

Thank you for reading. If I can answer any questions or be of service to you in life or business coaching, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the Contact Form or by booking a 1-hour Clarity Call.

Take care for now,

Susan