Put Me in Coach

I have had the great fortune of working with a health coach for the last almost 6 years. My monthly phone calls are one reason why I am on this path to wellness and spiritual growth. It began as I made the transition from stay at home mom to working full time again, and I was really struggling with juggling. Over time, the relationship I developed with my coach Lacey had made such a positive impact on my life. Thanks to her, I’ve been able to make some positive changes that make me a better wife, mom, employee, boss, daughter, friend, family member and part of the community. I’m not saying that she has worked miracles, but working with a coach has been helpful in setting goals and achieving them.

 

When we visit on the phone, there is a recap of what has happened in the past month, and reactions to it. There is discussion on what’s been working and what hasn’t, and a chance to set new goals. It is a really simple formula, but in its simplicity is its beauty. Coaching works because of the relationship that gets developed with your coach. They are an outside, objective sounding board, who can give impartial advice and guidance.

 

My primary focus has been regaining my health. Throughout my twenties, I was really into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but as I got older and priorities shifted and had a few gynecological issues, it got pushed to the backburner. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be healthy, I just didn’t put it at the top of my list. I had to resolve some other issues medically before I could get back in this groove. Coaching has provided a support system and framework to do that.

 

I am now ready to work on some specific areas to live my best life. I have a very real issue with my head knowing what I need to do, but keeping at it has been a struggle for me. Learning (partially through coaching) why I do these self-sabotaging behaviors means I can recognize when the crazy making destined to fail spiral starts. That is huge, especially since I am in the process of making this huge lifestyle shift.

I’ve also been able to identify my primary foods-what feeds me mind, body and soul. Its what I need to “eat” daily in order to be my healthiest. My primary food list includes one on one time with my husband and son. Its practicing my yoga and meditating that is a primary food group. It is running, lifting weights and dance that is another food group. It is how all these food groups work together to give my life balance and complete nutrition.

 

Setting goals and creating action plans is a part of the coaching process. Over time, I have learned that smaller goals are easier to manage, and measure. I like setting quarterly goals, with a monthly action plan. For example, for a goal I want to exercise three times a week. For my monthly action plan, I would break that goal into 30 day increments. For me, it’s a lot less overwhelming to look at something for 30 days than 90.

 

Working with a health coach has made a big difference in my life. I have learned so much about who I am, and how I can change my life one conversation at a time.