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Sometimes we can feel like we are standing still, forgetting what we once wanted or wanting to explore our full potential. Whatever your motivation is, we will help you develop through coaching!

It’s never too late to grow

Personal development, fulfillment and self-leadership are essential, whether that is in work, study or in our personal lives.

Whatever your age or life situation, it’s very likely are that you are interested in understanding yourself better and reaching your full potential.

In this article, we will explore the concept of coaching and how you can take the step to develop further – with the support of a coach.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk

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Coaching – a way to find answers that already exist within you

All coaching starts with, broadly speaking, a desire for change. Some changes are bigger, such as changing jobs, moving somewhere new, or nurturing personal relationships. Other changes are about having an idea, a goal, a concept you’re thinking about — things you’d like to share with someone.

Coaching can help you find tools to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and create a better balance between work, life, and self.

Coaching is a collaboration between a coach and you as a client over a certain period of time. You set an overall goal for the collaboration. Furthermore, the coach asks questions and suggests exercises that allow you to find the answers you have not thought of or seen before. It is simply a matter of ordinary psychology.

The brain wants us to do what we’ve always done

Most of us want things to be easy. Or rather, our brains want things to be simple and familiar because it saves energy. We need that energy if the sabre-toothed tiger shows up and attacks. However, we don’t see that tiger in today’s society. Today, it’s more about deadlines, messy relationships or anything else where we need our mental energy to get through. Therefore, we avoid continuing to ask ourselves the important questions to get the answers we need.

What is really important? Why is it important? What does it mean for us and for others when we make a change?

Then a professional coach is indispensable. Because the coach dares to keep asking questions.


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The coach

Your coach has no agenda or self-interest in your collaboration. The coach is simply a questioner, a guide who is with you on the way to the goal you set. The coach’s responsibility is to make sure you stay on track towards the goal. Your responsibility is to want to make the change and to proactively take the steps that lead you forward. Together you explore your questions and your answers.

With exercises and questions, the coach will help you dispel the thoughts you have. It can be about yourself, your relationships, your life, your career or anything else. The coach supports you to discover the answers you need. These are answers that you already have within you.

Our coaches are trained to accompany you on your journey towards development. They know what is needed to support you in finding your answers – and your strengths and motivations. These tools become part of your development.

Most of our coaches are also certified through one of the industry’s major organizations (e.g. ICF or EMCC).

Is it time to take the step?

If you are:

  • feeling that you are not at the place in life you once dreamed of and perhaps even set goals for
  • feeling stuck or simply don’t know what motivates you to reach your full potential

Then it might be time to consider whether coaching could be an investment in yourself. It can give you the answers and help you with personal development. Today, more and more people, including celebrities, are talking about how coaching has enabled them to develop. Coaching is therefore no longer something only for elite athletes — it’s for all of us.


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Examples of different types of coaching

  • Life coaching: The individual identifies their personal goals – with the help of the Wheel of Life. Through conversations, you then find ways to achieve the goal. This also includes finding the strengths that can help to succeed in each step.
  • Health coaching: Helps individuals identify their health situation and find goals to maintain or create better health to increase well-being.
  • Stress coaching: Specialises in stress management and finding a balance between work/study, personal life and self.

There are many different niches in coaching. On our site you will find information on several of the most commonly requested types of coaching that our coaches can offer. Whatever your situation, these forms of support offer different tools and strategies that are tailored to you. They help you to become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses and thus improve your quality of life.

Does coaching work?

Today, there is research that shows that coaching works and why it does. Many Irish employers, such as the HSE, encourage their staff to undergo various coaching initiatives in order to develop a psychological resource that is useful in both work and private life. Therefore, these factors are the basis for the success of a change. In addition, coaching provides you with tools to persevere and endure, even when life is difficult.

The Association for Coaching is an international association which has had a presence in Ireland for 10 years. A recent Irish Times article spoke to the association’s chief executive, Katherine Tulpa. Katherine Tulpa notes the growing popularity of coaching in Ireland; “Even from five years ago in Ireland, we are seeing a growing appetite and demand for coaching, it’s growing because it’s working. In businesses for example, executive levels have been coached, and they see the effectiveness of it and want to use it for lower levels. A recent ICF study showed over 80 per cent of companies are using coaching in some form. Personal coaching works in the same way.”

Can anyone be coached or do you have to have a problem?

Virtually anyone can be coached. Coaching is a collaboration between you and your coach. This means that the only people who cannot be coached are those who simply do not want to.

Furthermore, coaching is suitable for those who do not need other expertise – such as a doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist or similar. The reason is that you – when you are healthy – are the expert on yourself and your life. Coaching gives you support to find your way to develop your potential.

Far from everyone who chooses coaching has problems. The common denominator is that you want to develop, change something or ensure that you continue to be as good as you are. In return, you get a range of tools that equip you to keep going and persevere once you reach your goal. Reflection is a tool that many people find they do far too little of. Reflection makes it possible to choose shorter and more effective paths towards the goal.


Can anyone be coached or do you have to have a problem?

What type of coach should you choose?

There are many niches in coaching, with varying degrees of specialisation. We present some of the common types of coaching here on our website that our coaches can offer.

It is good if you think about what it is you need a coach for, i.e. what it is you want to achieve in the collaboration. If you are not sure, it is also part of the coach’s work – to help you see what you need. Usually they use a very common tool called the balance wheel (the wheel of life) to help you see what can be relevant to work with.

It is also important that you feel that you and the coach you choose are perceived as a good match. As a result, you feel safe and confident that your coach will achieve results. However, you should know that your coach will challenge you, tough or gentle depending on how you want your challenges. This is because you should take the step to do something a little different than you have done so far.

If you continue to do everything the same way as before, everything will be exactly the same.
That’s probably what you don’t want — if you choose to be coached.

How many times should you meet with a coach?

Together with your coach, you explore your needs. Then you set clear goals for your collaboration. Through questions and exercises, you will become aware of your strengths. This, in turn, supports you to find your path to the goal. Between your meetings, you take the steps and do what you have decided you need to do.

The number of sessions depends on what you agree on. It is not the number of coaching sessions that is important, but the result. What is reasonable is to think about how long and how often you should meet.

If you don’t know what your goals are but just feel that something doesn’t feel right – how does it work?

The coach has questions and exercises – and his trained ability to listen and be curious – to help you find what’s wrong. Then the coach is with you in your process and your work to find the solution. Your solution. Not the coach’s, nor anyone else’s. Your coach always has your best interests at heart and it is you who are the sole focus of your collaboration.

How does coaching work?

Our coaches have different styles when they coach. The common thing is that they are there for your sake and are responsible for ensuring that you get somewhere in the conversation together. This means that you should have been able to think, reflect and perhaps do an exercise. The goal is that you have come to some insight and learned something about yourself before the conversation is over.

Everything you do in the conversation should of course be linked to the overall goal you have set for the collaboration.

Although our coaches work in different ways, the common denominator is that they:

  • reach an agreement with you on the outcome of the whole partnership, but also on what you want from each conversation.
  • first and foremost support you to find your answers — your coach is not a mentor or advisor.
  • invites you into the collaboration by asking questions that are about you and not about the subject matter. It is by becoming aware of yourself that you will also be able to influence the outcome, i.e. the subject of the coaching.
  • gives you most of the speaking space. Our coaches customise the communication opportunity based on you. They know that some people may find it difficult to put their thoughts into words and there are other ways to communicate.
  • challenge you to find the smallest possible steps you can take today to start your journey towards your goal.
  • ends the conversation in a way that you have agreed upon — the ending gives you time to reflect on the insights you take away from the conversation.
  • normally do not take notes.
  • you can be assured that your full confidentiality is assured.

The benefits of professional help

Taking the step to talk to a professional coach can make a huge difference in your life. The coach assumes that you are fully capable of seeing your problems or challenges from a new angle. In the conversations, the coach helps you to explore this. Once you see it, you will find that there are a lot of practical solutions that you might not have thought of yourself.

If you’re ready, we are

When you feel it’s time to invest in your personal development, we have qualified coaches who can help you on your journey. Because coaching is confidential, you can feel confident that you can develop on your own terms. Our core principle is to make the difficult easier for you.

The only people who can’t be coached are those who simply don’t want to be. Coaching is a collaboration between you and your coach.

Furthermore, coaching is suitable for those who do not need other expertise — such as a doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist or similar. The reason is that when you are healthy, you are the expert on yourself and your life. Coaching gives you support to find your way to develop your potential.

Far from everyone who chooses coaching has problems. The common denominator is that you want to develop, change something or ensure that you continue to be as good as you are. In return, you get a range of tools that equip you to keep going and persevere once you reach your goal. Reflection is a tool that many people find they do far too little of in their busy daily lives. Reflection makes it possible to choose shorter and more effective paths towards the goal.


10 frequently asked questions about coaching

What is personal development?

Personal development is a continuous process where you strive to improve yourself through various methods such as self-awareness, education and experience. It can include everything from setting goals and working towards them, to working on your self-esteem and communication skills.

How does mental training differ from personal development?

Mental training focuses on developing mental skills such as concentration, self-control and mental well-being. Personal development is a broader category that can also include physical health, career and social relationships.

What does a life coach do?

A life coach works with you to help you identify and achieve your personal and professional goals. They can also help you with strategies to deal with stress and other mental challenges.

Is mental training scientifically proven?

Yes, mental training is supported by scientific research and is widely used in sports, business management and psychotherapy to improve performance and well-being.

How can I start with personal development?

To start your personal development journey, begin by identifying your goals and setting up an action plan. It can be helpful to talk to a coach, therapist or psychologist for guidance and support.

What tools are available for mental training?

Some common tools include meditation, mindfulness, visualization and positive thinking. These practices can help you increase your focus and reduce stress.

Is online coaching effective?

Online coaching has proven to be an effective method of personal development and offers the advantage of flexibility and convenience. However, it may be important to ensure that your coach is qualified and certified if you are not hiring a coach through Lavendla.

Can mental training help me with anxiety?

Mental training can be an effective way to manage anxiety by teaching you relaxation and stress management techniques. But for serious cases, you should seek professional help or call 112.

How long does it take to see results from personal development?

Results vary from person to person and depend on a range of factors, including your commitment and the specific goals. Personal development is an ongoing process and it can take time to see noticeable changes.

What does a session with a life coach or psychologist cost?

The cost of a session can vary from €60-100 depending on the experience of the coach or psychologist, and whether the session is online or in person. It is always good to discuss the price and possible packages in advance.

Does your personal development affect other people?

Many people who undertake personal development, where they get to know themselves better, find that it has a positive impact on their relationships with other people. When you get to know yourself better, you become more clear in your determination. This can have a positive impact on relationships as you understand others better and they, in turn, understand you better. However, during the process of change, there may be some confusion from those around you. Maybe some people do not recognise you because you are not ‘the same’? Despite this, many clients report that they are ultimately happy with the investment they have made in themselves as their relationships have improved.

How to get help with your personal development step by step

Striving for your full potential is a journey that requires commitment, work and mental focus. Therefore, we have developed a step-by-step guide that includes elements of mental training and coaching to help you start your journey.

  • Step 1: Self-reflection
    Purpose: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
    Action plan: Use tools like SWOT analysis or journaling to identify your core values and ambitions. Map out what you contain and why you have become who you are.
  • Step 2: Goal setting
    Purpose: Set clear and measurable goals.
    Action plan: Use S.M.A.R.T.E criteria or other mapping to define your goals.
  • Step 3: Scheduling
    Purpose: To create a realistic and achievable plan.
    Action plan: Use calendars and planning tools to prioritise time to work on your goals. Get other exercises that can focus more on emotions and body depending on what you need to practice more.
  • Step 4: Mental or Emotional Training
    Purpose: Improve your mental and emotional state and focus.
    Action plan: Use techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization.
  • Step 5: Coaching
    Objective: Gain external insight and hold yourself accountable.
    Action plan: Hire a professional coach to guide you. You will receive exercises in the coaching session that you can then practice between sessions.
  • Step 6: Monitoring and follow-up
    Purpose: Make sure you are on track.
    Action plan: Regular evaluations and adjustments to your plan.
  • Step 7: Feedback and adjustment
    Purpose: Understand the impact of your efforts and make necessary adjustments.
    Action plan: Ask for feedback from trusted sources and make adjustments to your plan accordingly.
  • Step 8: Reward and Recognition
    Purpose: Celebrate your progress.
    Action plan: Set smaller milestones and reward yourself when you achieve them.

“Is personal development for me?”

Working on personal development can be challenging but extremely rewarding. Instead of struggling to manage stress or emotions on your own, you can train yourself mentally with professional help. On our platform, you can easily get in touch with coaches, therapists or psychologists who can support you on your journey and make the difficult easier.


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Written by Sylvia Power