A number of you have been asking what it’s like seeing a personal coach.  Well I can honestly say I love it!  I only wish I’d done this sooner.  Jennifer Priest is really giving me focus and clarity.  And even though it’s only been  four sessions, people (my parents, Raul, Tris …etc)  have been noticing a difference in me – clarity of direction, well thought out decisions, clearer understanding of those in my life…

Unlike with a counselor you don’t need to rush across town to make it to an appointment – late usually in my case.  Instead, Jennifer calls me from the comfort of my own home and we chat over the phone, whilst Fuzzywiggle Furrypants snuggles up on my lap.  Oh and we get to talk all about me.  A whole hour of me in fact!!!  Can you think of anything more delightful!

So what do we talk about?  Before each session I fill out a coaching prep form. It asks me questions like:

• What went well this week?
• What did I get done this week?
• What things am I thankful for?
• What roadblocks or obstacles did I hit?
• Where am I frustrated?
• What opportunities are presenting themselves?
• What do I want to focus on in this weeks session?
• What do I want commit to doing before the next call?

The process of filling out this form, really allows me to reflect on the week and clarify what it is that I want to focus on in this session. Once Jennifer calls she has me elaborate on the areas which I wish to discuss.  Generally she doesn’t  give her opinions or tell me what to think, but starts asking very pointed questions with regards to the topic, that forces me to explore it in greater detail and talk through thoughts that have already been going through my head and I haven’t actually verbalized.

Photo by Chunyang Lin

Yes,  you can chat with a friend or a family member about things in your world, but this is different. Jennifer is not judgmental, she does not come with preconceived notions about how you should be living your life, and you don’t need to feel that you are being rude that the conversation is all about you.  She also does not tell you what you should be thinking or doing and actually supports the decisions that you come to.  And she’s incredibly easy to talk to.

Finally she sets up deadlines and accountability for you, which is something that I desperately need working on my own.  She also gets you to look at the bigger picture and what needs to be done both in the short and long term to reach your goals.

As many of you are aware, I’ve been going through big changes in my work world as of late.  Jennifer really helped me to make a positive transition from ‘Sexy in Vancity‘ to ‘Being Emme’.  She has helped me to define what the story is that I want to tell with ‘Being Emme’ and she has helped me to set-up some deadlines around the novels I’m writing and a path to getting there.  This would have been a much more difficult transition without Jennifer and I don’t think I would have had the same clarity or drive.

Thank you Jennifer!