My First Coaching Session

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My First Coaching Session - A Report Back

by Mara Burger
(Pretoria)

January/February has been hectic so far and getting through the 1st manual took me ages. Once I got through it I realised that I couldn't remember much so I went back to the beginning and started making notes which kept me focused in the now.

My first practical session was terrible. I forgot to put off my cellphone and yes, right in the middle of my nervous introduction, it rang. For a usually organised person I was so disorganised with paper and notes all over the show. I was totally depressed after the session and my inner critic had a field day. Then the pain/pleasure thing kicked into action and the thought of me just not cutting it and giving up after my first try (which I did consider for a short while) gave me just too much pain to go there and that brought my focus right back to my goal - to be a Life Coach!

In retrospect I'd offer to share my thoughts and what I have learnt:
1. Stop being so hard on yourself; it was only your first try at this. Imagine how you will ace this after 10 sessions.
2. Wow you remembered. "There are no failure only feedback" and "No mistakes only results". So what is your problem - learn from this.
3. 1 Hour is not enough time for setting proper goals. The next one book 2 hours.
4. You will have to practice what you preach. Setting SMERTIE goals for you is important. And you must do it for all the areas of the Life Wheel. Work on it, refine it, make it perfect. Then you will know what you are talking about.
5. Coaching a friend you know very well is difficult. You will have to learn to be more professional.
6. You will have to remember the cell phone - crucial.
7. You will have to work on your mental prep. Forget the notes and that you might not remember the questions. Learn to listen to your intuition and heart.
8. You have to relax and make it more fun. Don't be so serious "What is the worst that can happen?"
9. From now on I adapt the following affirmations and I will say it a hundred times a day:
"I am a genius and I apply my wisdom"
"I retain everything that I read"

Maybe you can relate and maybe you want to share so that we could grow together. Keep the faith and the vision.

Warm regards

Mara

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My First Coaching Session - A Report Back

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Feb 21, 2008

Don't walk before you crawl!
by: Bill Burridge

Hi Mara,
Firstly, thanks so much for this detailed report back. I feel certain that other trainees are going to derive a lot of value from it!

Secondly, congratulations on using the coaching tools and techniques to reaffirm your commitment to your goal of becoming a great life coach!

Thirdly, I would like to suggest to you - and others - that you complete all the theory (or at least a good part of manuals 1-7) before embarking on your practice coaching sessions. You'll find that you'll approach the sessions with a much more well-rounded understanding of what it is that you are supposed to be doing for your client and how to handle issues that arise.

Finally, you'll find that Anthony Maino posted a question about practice sessions taking too much time. Sharon Frith posted some excellent tips on this in response. So please find Anthony's post and review Sharon's comments. I'm sure it'll help you keep the time needed to conduct Session One (admittedly a lot to cover) to a minimum.

With my best wishes - Bill.

Mar 31, 2008

First coaching session - A report back
by: Sharon Frith

Hi Superstar Coaches

Just a quick note to say well done to all ofyou who have used this Forum to get to know each other, help each other and coach each other.

Mara - your feedback on your Session One coaching experience will no doubt inspire others.

I remember my very first Session One 2 years ago and I was shaking like a leaf. It lasted about 2 1/2 hours and my poor client looked dazed and shattered by the time she left. I went through all of those 'what on earth am I doing?' doubts too. As Mara says, your inner critic can have a field day if you don't keep an eye on him/her. Take inspiration from Mara - remember you are practising and learning so if you are still wobbling about taking that first step and doing a Session One - just do it!

Set one goal with someone that you are comfortable with (but, as Mara says, not someone so close that it will be difficult). I coached my sister's friend.

I highly recommend you all get together as Anthony has suggested too. You will gain so much from each other and Anthony has just gained his certification (thus becoming our 2nd qualified coach in SA) so if you need any help getting through the course, then you have GOT to get in touch with him.

Enjoy your coaching - you are already making a massive difference.

Happy Monday to you

Sharon

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My First Coaching Session - A Report Back

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My First Coaching Session - A Report Back