Q&A with life coach Jayne Ashby

Q. I need a new challenge and some focus in my life – Are there any good motivational books you could recommend? Thanks Tracy

A. Hi Tracy

Thanks for your enquiry

There are so many books out there. I find it’s all about trial and error to find the content and an author that really speaks to you.

Some personal favourites of mine are, Change Your Life in 7 Days by Eileen Mulligan and Be Your Own Life Coach by Fiona Harrold. I go back to these again and again.

I recently read What Do I Do When I Want to Do Everything by Barbara Sher which I found very interesting.

I hope this helps you start your search.

Q. Dear Jayne, I am very interested in your line of work. I wondered if you could help me with some advice on how to become a life coach? What are the best ways and courses? Just how many are there in Britain and is it a growing industry with potential? Thanks and best wishes Georgina

A. Hi Georgina

Thanks for your enquiry

The best way to become a life coach is to study first. There are many coaching courses available if you search on the internet. Give a few a call and have a chat before signing up. They vary in price, qualification and the time needed to study so you should find something that fits your requirements.

Coaching is a growing industry however unfortunately there is no governing body as yet. Most professional coaches choose to become a member of the Association for Coaches which promotes certain standards within the industry.

It is a positive profession, however a lot of hard work is needed to become successful as there are many coaches out there. Undertake plenty of research before making any decisions. If you do choose coaching as your vocation, you can look forward to a very rewarding career.

Hope this helps.

Q. Having just reached the milestone of 50 (and feeling much younger!) I’m not too sure which direction I am going, or indeed wish to go, despite a demanding managerial position. Two grown up sons, recently graduated and in full time employment, husband of 27 years with which I enjoy a relatively good social life. However, still feel I’m missing out on something I have not quite achieved yet!
Maureen

A. Hi Maureen

Thanks for your enquiry.

You’ve clearly achieved a lot in your 50 years.

From your email I think that now is the time for you to focus on what you’d like to achieve during the next 50 years. I would ask you to day dream about what you would like your life to be like – no restrictions. Would you change career, location, or lifestyle?

Also look at other people you admire and ask yourself what about them or their life do you like. Go back to when you were younger, before the kids and marriage and think about what your beliefs, values and goals were.

This is now a period of discovery and it’s about looking deep inside to gain the direction.

I hope this gives you something to start the thought process.

Q. Dear Jayne, About a month a go I split up with my boyfriend and seemed to fall out with most of my close friends within the space of 2 weeks. The friends that I still have say that I’ve done nothing wrong and that it’s them being self-centered that’s caused the fall out. However I can’t help thinking maybe it’s me that’s changed for the worst and maybe need a life coach to get back on track. I don’t know if that’s the kind of help that life coaches provide or if there are different types of life coach etc do you have any advise?
Gem

A. Hi Gemma

Thanks for your enquiry.

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot over the past few months.

There have been many occasions when people have split up with their partner only to find that their closest friends were not supportive during the break up. Sometimes it takes a difficult situation to find out who you can truly rely on. Also, you must remember that some friendships come to a natural end to allow new friendships to begin.

Working with a life coach can be very inspiring. It’s not like other forms of therapy which tend to focus on your past. The main focus of coaching is to keep you looking forwards. A life coach can only help you find the answers that lie within you but they cannot tell you how you should live your life. There are many different types of coaches who specialise in many areas, so undertake plenty of research before finding the right one for you.

For now, I would use this time to think about what you want from your partner and your friends and make it your mission to have people in your life that have those qualities.

I hope this helps.