6 signs you might need a coaching tune up

YOU are the most important vehicle in your life. How is your vehicle functioning at this stage in Lockdown? Some people may feel finely tuned, raring to go and optimistic about the future. Others may feel worn down and overwhelmed by change, competing demands and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Everyone is experiencing this differently.

You know cars need servicing regularly. You know the garage will give the car the attention it needs to perform well and do the job it’s meant to do. Checking in with your coach from time to time is often viewed as more of a bother or a needless expense. Actually, tune-ups are less costly when weighed against the cost of an engine overhaul or a replacement. Having a tune- up with your coach can help prevent damage caused by stress, change, overwhelm and day to day challenges.

Here are 6 signs you might need a coaching tune-up:

It takes more effort to start the engine

Your energy is low. You’re not feeling motivated or inspired. You have lost your spark for your work or home life. You need to re-charge your batteries and get started again. You need to get clarity and a different perspective.

You are hearing strange sounds

You are losing your patience quickly or saying things you regret to those close to you. Something is rattling and needs tightening up. May be you’re struggling to sleep or getting more headaches. You are feeling below par and not taking care of yourself.

There is a warning light flashing

There are indicators in various parts of your life that suggest a repair is needed now. You may be confident you will get round to sorting it all out, reflecting on earlier coaching received, but the truth is, most issues get worse without support.

The brakes aren’t working

It may be that you’re feeling buffeted around by the chaos of each day. You’re feeling out of control in several areas of your life and that’s making you feel unsettled or anxious. You’re not sure what to do, but you know things can’t continue.

You’ve run out of fuel

It may be that even operating in your strengths is hard work. What usually brings you pleasure isn’t hitting the spot. It’s almost impossible to get out of your comfort zone in to a stretch zone because you’re exhausted. You need to find a way to get re-fuelled.

You are occasionally stalling or getting stuck

It doesn’t happen frequently, but occasionally, for no apparent reason, you notice you’re not at the top of your game. It’s no big deal, unless it happens at a critical time in your personal or professional life. Sometimes the consequences of operating below par it’s just not an option.

We’re in the middle of massive change in our lives. Change complicates how we show up in the world and how we pursue the life we want. We are not cars, but like cars we are impacted by internal and external forces. Regular maintenance is sensible and smart. Coaching is rarely a one and done proposition. A regular tune-up with your coach, even if you are budget conscious, is the best investment you can make to ensure long-term sustainability.

Jackie is an ACC qualified coach with the International Coaching Federation. She set up her coaching business in 2016 and has a passion to help frazzled mums move from surviving to thriving. You can work with her on a 1:1 basis, either face to face, socially distanced walking, or online. You can also join one of her group coaching programmes, The Mum Boardroom, meeting monthly.