A Journey of Transformation and Unlocking The Power of Coaching for Mental Well-being
Coaching: Breaking Down Barriers, Fostering Inclusivity and Empowering Growth
Guest Author: MYP Coach Jas Deogan
For Men’s Health Awareness Month (Nov 2023) and International Men’s Day 19th Nov ‘23
“Coaching is a powerful tool. But often, it’s misunderstood and underrated. Many of us might not fully grasp coaching's potential to bring about transformative changes in our personal and professional lives. Today, as we observe Men's Health Awareness Month and approach International Men's Day, I want to shed light on the importance of coaching in mental health and well-being, sharing my journey and the vital role coaching plays in promoting these aspects.”
Understanding the potential of coaching
A few years back, the concept of coaching entered my life. And I’ll be honest, I, too was a sceptic. It seemed like an abstract notion, its value hidden behind a veil of uncertainty. But life has a way of proving us wrong, and my journey through coaching has been nothing short of a revelation, profoundly impacting both my career and personal growth.
Facing my inner critic
Now, before I embarked on this transformational journey, I was in a negative mindset. Stress, overwork, and a sense of not being valued were constants in my life. And the social stigma of not asking for help, especially if you’re a man didn’t help. The transition from 'doing' to 'leading' was challenging, and my inner critic had taken hold. I felt like I was walking on eggshells, gradually losing my sense of self.
Read my article “From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unveiling the Journey of Reclaiming My Mental Health and Well-being🔥”Discover how a courageous leap from a draining career led to a transformative journey in health and fitness, rebuilding my body and my entire sense of self.
And it was during this period that my manager encouraged me to engage with a coach. And so I approached coaching with a closed mindset but if I couldn’t see the value of coaching, then I did at least accept I could take part in it. After all, I had nothing to lose. But, little did I know that this step would be a turning point in my life.
You see, one thing that I began to love about my coaching experience is that it provided a safe space to freely express my thoughts and feelings. My coach would ask open-ended questions, allowing me to take the lead in exploring my own mind.
My coaching experience
I’m not going to lie. There were highs and lows as I navigated my thoughts, but my coach actively listened, asking insightful questions that encouraged deeper reflection. Within just a couple of months, I noticed a positive shift in my mindset. I was rediscovering my former self, playing to my strengths, and becoming more productive. Coaching unlocked something inside me, revealing that I had more control over my life than I had initially believed.
Coaching in leadership
As a developing leader, because, after all, we’re all developing, I’ve continued to explore how to bring coaching into my leadership style. And as I became accustomed to the coaching practices, I’ve learnt about the importance of managing my biases and not rushing into 'solution mode.' I value that every individual has unique lived experiences, and it's okay not to have all the answers. Instead of imposing solutions, I learned to ask thought-provoking questions like, "What's the real challenge here for you?" This approach encouraged deeper thinking and collaboration, allowing individuals to explore their options and overcome obstacles.
Knowing my limits
Coaching has also taught me the significance of knowing one's limits. While coaching is a valuable tool, it may not be suitable for every situation or individual. So, recognising when to seek additional support or involve others is a crucial aspect of effective coaching. Knowing your limits ensures that you don't overstep or misread a situation.
Fostering growth and collaboration
As I continued on my coaching journey, I realised the transformative potential it held not only for me but also for those I coached and led through the organisations I work for. Coaching enables me to lead my team in a way that values their perspectives, encourages self-discovery, and empowers them to be the best version of themselves. I’ve found that by asking open-ended questions and holding the silence, I've created an environment that fosters growth and collaboration. And as a coach, I understand that my role as a leader involves guiding and exploring together rather than dictating solutions.
Coaching’s role in promoting well-being
Mental health and well-being should not be taboo subjects, particularly among men. So, as Men's Health Awareness Month and International Men's Day approach, let's recognise the significance of mental health and the role coaching can play in promoting well-being. My personal journey through coaching has revealed its transformative power in my life, role as a leader, and mental health and well-being. I am committed to breaking down barriers, emphasising the importance of mental health, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Does Jas’s experience of burnout resonate? Did you know that around 70% of us have felt some degree of imposter syndrome, at least once in our lifetime?
Read on, as Jas explores the 5 types of imposter syndrome and reflects on how he was able to transition from dysfunctional to healthy resilience.
