Coaching acts as a catalyst, as an accelerator, which bring a focus to what’s important.  It is not easy to be clear about what is needed and coaching gives you the spaces to work out what you and your business / organisation needs.

You are surrounded by opinions and criticism and working with a coach provides a place where you can explore ideas without criticism, without judgement. There is not pressure to perform.  You can challenge any limiting beliefs which hold you back from being your best and your happiest.

Coaching helps you identify what is needed and put a concrete plan in place, with a clear timescale and milestones, so that you increase your chances of success.

Working with a coach is motivating and inspiring, where you can really feel like you’re moving forward, making the changes you want to gain the insight you need.  Through consideration of coaching models and strategies from positive psychology, resilience studies, creativity etc you can increase your chances of finding success.

Coaching can be face to face or via Skype.

lorraine cairney

Taking the plunge – into self employment.

Following up on my previous blog and podcast on becoming self employed, I thought it would be interesting to speak to someone who’s taken the plunge recently. 

It’s fascinating to find out what made her do it and how she set up – with some tips on the way that might be helpful if you’re thinking of doing something similar.

Here is a transcript of the interview with Lorraine Cairney, who went from full time very successful employment of over 25 years to setting up on her own.  

You can listen to the podcast here

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becoming self employed

Becoming self employed – don’t know where to start?

As a coach, I often work with people wanting to move away from being employed and wanting to set up on their own. It’s a big step if you’re exiting the relative safety of a monthly salary, paid holiday and sick pay but it can be hugely rewarding, bring an amazing sense of freedom and allow you to do more of what you want.

In this blog I’ll look at becoming a sole trader or freelancer – that is not being employed by someone else anymore. From your why to your what and how, it’s a useful guide for when you’ve decided to take the leap and ensure that you get off to a flying start!

If you’d prefer to listen – click on my podcast on Google here.

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fear of the unknown

Is fear of the unknown holding you back?

As a coach, I hear a lot about fear. Fear of failure and not knowing what might happen. Having space to consider this and find ways of reframing can make those fears diminish and the thought of trying something new or stepping out of the comfort zone a lot easier.

The unknown.  We dread it.  It’s uncharted territory.  We don’t know what we’ll find there.  There are so many reasons for us to feel uncomfortable about this at best and to fear and avoid it at all costs at worst. We will choose to stay with what we know, no matter how uncomfortable, frustrated, unhappy even it makes us.  We will stay in a job we hate, avoid making new decisions in business, stay with an often stagnant status quo, longing for change, but unable to cross into the unknown.  

Human beings like to take the easy route

Prefer to listen to this as a podcast?

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fear of what people think

Is worrying what others think holding you back?

We all worry what others think to one extent or another. It’s normal. However, when this worry stops us from getting on with life, business and doing the things we really want to do, it’s time to challenge this thinking.

If you haven’t got time to read, you might prefer to listen to my podcast.

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Coaching and fear of failure
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Is fear of failure holding you back?

Are there things you want to do, to change perhaps, but something is holding you back? I’m fascinated by what holds us back, what gets in the way of us achieving what we want and will be looking at this over the next few posts. One theme that comes up over and over during coaching conversations is the fear of failure.

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