#Real life stories

I have exciting news to share! Starting today, I will be posting new stories every two weeks. These real-life stories will delve into coaching and mentoring practices, helping us connect more deeply with these concepts. Additionally, they will introduce you to various approaches we can use in different contexts. Stay tuned for insightful and inspiring tales that will enhance our understanding and application of these valuable practices.

A Journey from Coaching to Mentoring: Embracing True Intentions

Meet Sarah. Ambitious and driven, Sarah believed that becoming a coach was the pinnacle of her professional journey. Coaching, with its aura of expertise and knowledge, seemed like the perfect fit for her aspirations. She embarked on this path with determination, diving into studies and attempting to establish her presence in the coaching world. However, despite her best efforts, everything felt like a struggle.

Sarah found herself at a crossroads. Writing content felt forced, and defining the main focus of her coaching process seemed elusive. She was constantly distracted, her enthusiasm waning as she grappled with feelings of inadequacy. No matter how much effort she poured into her work, nothing seemed good enough or relevant enough to make an impact.

In one of our sessions, I posed a simple yet profound question: "What do you want to speak about?" This question sparked a critical reflection in Sarah, who had been operating under the mindset of "I need to." She felt the need to be knowledgeable, the need to appear competent, and the need to justify her choices. Challenging this need became our starting point.

We delved into the belief system driving her need for justification. Often, when people feel the need to justify their actions, it indicates a lack of true choice and a repetition of familiar patterns. Sarah was no exception. Her need to be a coach was rooted in a logical process that mirrored experiences she had witnessed or undergone before. This realization opened a new avenue for exploration.

As a coach, my goal was to help Sarah amplify her choices and create a space where her intentions could flourish. It's the intention that breathes life into our actions, making them meaningful and authentic. By questioning the necessity of her path and encouraging her to explore her genuine desires, we began to uncover a different story.

During a breakthrough session, Sarah experienced a moment of clarity. She exclaimed, "I want to be a mentor, not a coach!" This simple yet profound statement marked the beginning of a transformation. She felt a newfound sense of freedom and alignment with her true self. From that moment on, everything changed.

The energy around Sarah shifted dramatically. Writing posts, articles, and sharing photos no longer felt like a chore. Her content flowed naturally, infused with genuine passion and enthusiasm. The struggle dissipated, replaced by an effortless authenticity that resonated with her audience.

Sarah's journey from aspiring coach to empowered mentor is a testament to the power of intention and self-discovery. By challenging the need to fit a predefined mold, she unlocked a path that was truly hers. Her story reminds us that the most impactful and fulfilling journeys come from embracing our true desires and allowing our intentions to guide us.

If you find yourself struggling with a path that doesn't feel right, take a moment to reflect on your true intentions. Challenge the need for justification and explore the choices that align with your authentic self. The freedom to be who you truly are can transform your journey and unleash a new, vibrant energy in everything you do.

(the name and location was changed and the story is being shared with permission)

See you soon,

Ligia Koijen