I’ve had this post in my Substack draft for months.
The exam for my life coach certificate program was August 31. My class’s concluding reflection session was September 5. I told myself I’d write this post after I got the certificate in the mail, which happened to be October 10. But, I didn’t have it in me to think about the school program and so set this post aside. (until now)
Since April 2023, I’ve written 17 posts in my Student Diary series reflecting on my learnings from classes and contemplating their implementation. Some of those summer plans are now moot or have been considerably altered. (A post on my coaching niche will be part of my climate action series!) This will be my 18th, and last, post in my Student Diary series - a reflection of the experience.
Here are my biggest takeaways from school:
I love learning with a small group of people. I’ve missed learning with my 2013-2015 grad school cohort for almost a decade now. Being with my Rhodes cohort online from April to September 2023 was wonderful. I am now taking that (feeling? love? want/need?) more seriously — I’ll be part of live cohort-based programs in the future.
The training program was an investment in my discernment fund. I had certain expectations of how a class was run and the quality of materials, and they weren’t met. What I was told in my interview didn’t turn out to be true for my cohort. I took the easy route out and let myself be talked in to staying (including with my own rationalizations and mindset shift) so I didn’t need to admit to someone that they were right.
Group gatherings need strong leadership, hosting. To create the space (set up group expectations) and continuously maintain it (remind/correct behaviour) to protect all participants. It’s really important for the group dynamics and experience. [#all of Priya Parker’s amazing work.]
I’m most willing to be present and open to others when my needs are met. Once I’ve taken care of myself, I’m so generous with my attention and curiosity it’s beautiful. My best self.
Coaching skills come naturally to me, and yet, when I’m not feeling cared for, I resent needing to be present for and considerate to others. I’m also able to turn it off, to deliberately not use my coaching skills (ignoring my intuition, ignoring what I listen to and hear between the lines, etc.).
It’s best for me to focus on the closest upcoming milestones and ignore all the later ones. Like monkey bars, taking things one at a time. Being grounded with reality and what’s in front of me. And, being driven internally. #InwardOut
I can think of a few (better?) uses of the tuition fee. But, overall it was a fantastic learning experience and I met lovely people. And, now I can say that I’m a trained life coach :)
Onward!
