A few days ago, I spent the morning coaching someone in Germany and the afternoon coaching someone in the USA.
And the remarkable thing?
I never left my home!
When I started JD Mindcoach in 2012, I could never have imagined that one day I’d be working with people across the world.
As I finished my second session, I sat back and smiled. How on earth did this happen?
It All Started With a Simple Dream
When I established JD Mindcoach in 2012, my ambition was modest.
I wanted to become a life coach, working with local people to help them overcome difficulties and achieve more in their lives.
Having experienced some tremendous challenges myself, including bankruptcy, depression, divorce and serious health problems, I knew how valuable the right mental techniques could be.
My desire was simply to share what I’d learnt and help others lead happier, calmer and more fulfilling lives.
I certainly wasn’t thinking about coaching people across the world!
How My Coaching Has Evolved
Over the years, my coaching has developed considerably.
Mental resilience remains at the heart of what I do, helping people manage stress, overcome self-doubt, build confidence and develop a more positive mindset.
But increasingly, productivity has become another major focus.
Many of the people I coach are incredibly capable professionals who feel overwhelmed by their workloads.
I help them prioritise what really matters, manage interruptions, delegate more effectively, improve concentration and establish healthier boundaries between work and home.
Often, relatively small changes produce remarkable results.
And one of the greatest rewards is watching those changes happen.
The Wonderful Relationships
I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing organisations, including NSG Pilkington Glass, where I’ve had the pleasure of coaching many staff members over several years.
I’d particularly like to thank John Wilgar, Chief Procurement Officer, for the trust he’s placed in me.
We’ve developed a wonderful working relationship, and John is an outstanding leader who genuinely cares about his people.
What makes coaching so fulfilling is seeing someone’s confidence grow, their stress reduce and their enjoyment of life return.
From one session to the next, I can actually see the difference.
Some of the people I’ve coached have become much more than clients, and the relationships we’ve developed mean a tremendous amount to me.
Why Online Coaching Has Changed Everything
I never imagined coaching on Microsoft Teams could be so effective.
Years ago, I would meet clients in hotel lounges and coffee shops.
There were distractions, background conversations and very little genuine privacy.
Today, everything is different.
Online coaching allows us to talk privately, without the distractions of a busy public space. It’s convenient, comfortable, and provides the confidential environment that’s so important when people discuss personal or professional challenges.
And the results have been wonderful.
Many organisations return with additional people to coach, encouraged by the feedback and improvements they’ve witnessed.
One thing I’m particularly committed to is sending every client a detailed summary on the same day as their session.
It includes the techniques we’ve discussed and practical suggestions to work on before we meet again.
It takes extra time, but I believe it makes an enormous difference.
Living the Dream at 72
I’m now 72 years old, and I genuinely feel I’m living the dream.
Who would have thought that a small coaching business, started with the simple ambition of helping local people, would eventually reach across continents?
I certainly didn’t!
Every coaching session gives me a tremendous sense of purpose.
To know that I’m helping people become happier, more confident, more productive and better equipped to handle life’s challenges is both a joy and an honour.
And perhaps the most wonderful part?
I still absolutely love what I do.
Sometimes, I really do have to pinch myself!
Three Key Learnings
- Never underestimate where a simple dream might lead. What starts small can develop into something far greater than you ever imagined.
- Helping others creates its own rewards. Seeing someone overcome challenges and rediscover their confidence brings a sense of fulfilment money simply cannot buy.
- Never stop learning and adapting. Embracing new technology and developing new skills can open doors you never knew existed.
Thoughts for the Week
- Are you putting limits on what you believe is possible? Your greatest opportunities may still be ahead of you.
- What small change could make a big difference to your life? Sometimes the simplest techniques create the greatest improvements.
- Are you doing something that gives you a genuine sense of purpose? Finding meaning in what we do can transform how we feel about every day.
Fourteen years ago, I dreamed of helping people in my local community.
Today, I’m helping people across the world.
And at 72, I have absolutely no intention of stopping!
Who knows what tomorrow might bring?
Well, that’s it for this week.
Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing in yourself.
Warm regards
John
Off the Wall https://tinyurl.com/3tvr892z
100 Days https://tinyurl.com/4vsejtur
