I recently read a meme on social media: Ten things that require zero talent to be Successful.

The one that stood out to me immediately—Be Coachable

It spoke to me.

Until recently, I didn’t understand the concept of coaching. After being a person who was coached I gained new insight about myself and realized that I needed it in order to live the life that I wanted to live. And after learning how to coach others, I believe in the benefits of coaching.

But to enjoy those benefits, you must first be coachable— you’re willing to change what you believe about yourself.

My Story as a Client

I am not only a coach but I have also spent a lot of time being coached. I’ve been on both sides of the table. I know it works. I’ve seen the benefits myself.

And before I could get to those benefits, I had to first meet my coach.

In my early 30’s I used to meet weekly with a personal trainer at a gym in Houston. While working out, I met a gentleman named Bob who asked me a profound question:

“Who are you? Tell me who you are in a few words…”

I could not answer him.

I became frozen, nervous, and confused. My first reaction was to say my occupation. At the time, I was single, with no children. I gave 100% of myself to my sales career.

Was I only defined by my job?

The idea made me very anxious. At that point in my life, I wasn’t sure if I was doing what I was really passionate about.

Needless to say, Bob became my coach soon after.

After that, Bob asked more questions that I’ll never forget. They were unlike any questions that my friends and family would ask. They made me think and think differently, as funny as that sounds.

It’s true though. We live in a world that doesn’t require us to think much anymore. We are so programmed by habits and our environment. Coaches are trained to ask questions to get you out of your habits, to really look at your environment, and figure out if it’s good for you or not.

One of the biggest lessons I took away from our conversations was limiting beliefs. The questions Bob would ask helped me uncover past memories or experiences that were inhibiting me from believing I could be more. I was letting negative experiences create limitations in my life, especially when it came to my personal happiness. I would freely give others the power to steal my joy. I didn’t believe I was worthy of a life full of joy. It’s hard to type that right now, because I can’t believe I thought I wasn’t worthy.

But I did believe that. I thought self-worth was reserved for a select group of people in this world.

Where did these limiting beliefs come from?

Well, growing up I was overweight. The world can be mean to overweight people, especially children.

I was made fun of and picked on. My weight caused me to have low self-esteem. It didn’t help that I was also very sensitive, so that made criticism even harder. My family used to pick on me about my body. It wasn’t unusual in our family to pick on each other, especially about appearance. I was even picked on about being sensitive. My mom would always say I needed to stop being so sensitive. She grew up being told to be tough and strong, so our parents pushed those ideals on us. I don’t think my parents did this to be malicious, it’s just all they knew.

Coaching taught me that I’m not defined by worldly things, by what society says I should look like, and to never let others treat me badly. Through my coaching sessions I began to focus on the inside. Then the knowledge came that I didn’t have to be defined by all those voices and memories in my mind. I could reprogram my beliefs, thoughts, and attitude.

Now I’m a certified coach myself.

And because of this I feel compelled to explain what coaching is and what it is not.

What I DON’T do as your coach

Most people believe coaching is similar to the style of teaching that you get from coaches in sports. This type of teaching is about techniques and the pursuit of mastering a skill. Coaches teach their athletes tactics, fundamentals, and strategies for winning a game.

This is not what I do for my clients.

In business, this style of teaching is called mentoring. In whatever field you work in, you have a mentor—or at least you should. It needs to be someone who excels at your trade, a top performer, or is in a position above you that you seek.  As a mentee, you lean on them for advice, support and accountability.

This is not what I do for my clients.

Since I have a significant amount of sales experience, I do get clients that would like help with sales training. I can help with that but I do not call that coaching. I call it mentoring.

What I DO as your Coach

I serve my customers by helping them get past their self-limiting beliefs, uncovering the untapped potential within themselves, and to find direction and purpose in their lives. They usually come to me at the point where they are either stuck, or feel like they aren’t living to their full potential. Maybe they know what they want to do, but never follow through or take the action needed.

I help them take responsibility for their success.

Coaching is unlike any other relationship you could have with someone. The relationship will push you past what you thought possible. It won’t always be comfortable, but it will be worth the time and effort that you put into it.

In order for it to work, you must be coachable.

• Are you willing to dig deep?
• Are you willing to think differently?
• Are you willing to get uncomfortable?

By answering “yes” to these questions, you’re ready to change your life.

Just like the social media meme states, being coachable requires zero talent or credentials.

All you need is a willingness to make dramatic changes to experience an extraordinary life.

Keep Blooming!

Are you ready to personally and professionally grow, achieve financial freedom, and live your dream life? It would be my pleasure to serve you through a complimentary coaching consultation. Send me an email at Valerie@thebloomrevolution.com or sign up on my website: www.thebloomrevolution.com

My name is Valerie Garrison and I’m a Sales and Leadership Coach and Trainer. I help clients improve their mindset in sales, business, and leadership through one on one coaching and training, so that they can achieve financial freedom, and receive their dream life.

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