Following on his previous article on the impact life coaching has had on his life, Len Davey notes how it has helped him embrace imperfections
In the previous issue of Rolling Inspiration (Issue 1 2024), I ended with a comment made by my wife: “If you never coach one client, the course has paid for itself.” Let me explain…
The open market is tough and as a business owner I worked very hard to get to the top. I became so competitive – not that competition is bad. It drives one to become the best you can be in that field. The danger, however, is that it tends to carry over into your private life.
I worked long hours, didn’t take much care with my health and became quite emotionally distant. Emotion didn’t play a big part in my life and perfectionism drove me crazy. I tended to give my staff all my attention and compassion. By the time I got home, I was all out of energy for myself.
Becoming a Life Coach taught me that taking care for oneself is equally important; one understands the value of selfcare. It is important to recharge and replenish your energy no matter the role you play in your daily life.
I learned to be kind to yourself first and then others. As Dr Wayne Dyer explains, you cannot give someone six oranges, if you do not have six oranges. In other words, you cannot give someone love or kindness if you do not have those properties yourself. Cherish these things in yourself first before you can give it to anyone else.
Before my accident, I was a sportsman and a musician (drummer), and was plagued with perfectionism. I learned from my coach Jenni Burridge that embracing imperfection (as hard as it may seem) allows one to truly appreciate our authenticity.
Rather than striving for flawlessness, I now try to celebrate the uniqueness and genuine aspects of myself. Here is an additional thought: Imperfections are like brushstrokes on a canvas, they add depth, character, and beauty to the masterpiece that is You.
In my business life, I devoted significant attention to achieving success, believing it would lead to happiness. However, there was an elusive element missing.
It wasn’t until I transitioned into becoming a life coach that I discovered a profound truth: Happiness comes first, and it is the foundation upon which success is built. When we prioritise our wellbeing, fulfilment and inner joy, we naturally attract success and abundance.
Embracing the wisdom that happiness precedes success has profoundly influenced my coaching approach. As a life coach, I prioritise helping clients discover their inner joy, purpose and fulfilment.
When they align with their authentic selves, success naturally follows. I encourage them to celebrate imperfection, recognise their uniqueness, and cultivate a positive mindset. By focusing on happiness as the foundation, we create a fertile ground for growth, resilience and achievement.
I want to leave you with one of the most profound teachings of my journey as a life coach: The subconscious mind is where up to 99 percent of our thought processes takes place. It finds it incredibly difficult to decern between fact and vivid imagination.
For example, you are watching a scary movie. In reality you know that this is not really happening, and it was shot in a studio that is safe, with lots of people, lights and cameras around, and that it is just actors playing a part.
Yet, you are engrossed in the plot, feel scared; fear almost paralyses your top half (I am a Paraplegic, he, he). You close your eyes and squeeze your partners hand till it goes blue … why? The movie is real to your subconscious mind. This is both a blessing and a curse.
I could write another piece on this topic alone, but the best succinct advice I can give you is to watch what you consume and what comes out of your mouth. You are prophesying. Understanding this is essential to personal growth and transformation.
(Photo sourced from Wiki Media Commons)
