Beyond Reflection: How Coaching Helps Us Move Forward

I’ve noticed that many people who haven’t experienced coaching don’t have a clear idea of what it actually is. Some might not even ask because they’re worried about seeming ignorant. On the other hand, there are those who have tried coaching but found it... well, mediocre. And in some cases, they’ve spent thousands of pounds only to feel like they haven’t gotten very far. If coaching has ever felt underwhelming, it likely wasn’t what it can be. That’s not the kind of coaching I’m talking about.

When you’ve found the right coach—someone well-trained and committed to honing their skills—you won’t walk away feeling 'meh.' You’ll know why it was worth it. While credentials aren’t everything, they do help ensure both a quality experience and ethical boundaries. However, effective coaching also depends on the coach’s experience, personal growth, and the right fit between the coach and client. Credentials alone won’t guarantee success, but they can contribute to a professional approach.

So, what is coaching? A comparison might help. Many people have a clearer idea of therapy, which often focuses on resolving past issues, but therapy can also address present challenges and future aspirations. Coaching, by contrast, is about working out what you want and how to get there. Therapy has its place, absolutely. But I believe coaching should hold a similar role in our lives—just like we go to the gym, eat well, or develop habits to take care of our bodies. Coaching is a way of looking after our future selves, helping us grow into who we want to become.

Why am I writing about this? I’m a coach, and I’ve noticed that many of my clients were sceptical at first but decided to give it a go. Some weren’t even sure how much they should pay for coaching. Many of them later told me they never imagined it would make such a difference in their lives. Coaching is absolutely not a silver bullet, but it does help you grow and gain new insights. In a way, it gives you the chance to try out what life could be like if things were different—and if you like that vision, a coach helps you work towards it.

Reflection is valuable, but true transformation happens through action. Coaching provides structured frameworks that help you clarify your goals, create a pathway forward, and build the habits needed to sustain change. While some coaching methodologies may have standardised structures, the approach should always be tailored to fit you as an individual. The emphasis on accountability and measurable progress ensures that insights don’t just stay thoughts—they translate into real movement. Movement at your pace, not a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves you struggling to keep up.

Understanding yourself is important, but becoming your future self requires more than reflection. Coaching is a bit like having someone in your corner—someone who truly has your back and cares about your progress in a non-judgmental way.

If you’re interested but don’t yet know what to expect, I recommend booking a few free chemistry sessions with coaches to get a feel for what it’s like, how much they charge, and what it feels like working with them. Your decision should come from a place where you feel that working with a particular coach will really help you work towards becoming a better version of yourself. If they're right for you, you'll know it.

If you're interested, feel free to book a session with me. I’m also happy to connect you with a few wonderful colleagues so you can make an informed decision.

I look forward to hearing from you!