Published: 23rd February 2008 in the Rochdale Observer

So here I am, more than one week on after my first life coaching session.  During my first meeting with coach Kathryn Ansley, I identified that I wanted to build my confidence and self-esteem.  Everyone experiences stressful situations and feels under pressure.  So I am having a follow-up coaching session to help identify my goals in life, stay motivated, focused and fired up with enthusiasm.  Over the last week I have achieved more than I ever could imagined and I feel stronger for it.

One occasion that springs to minds was a heated row, which I knew was not entirely my fault.  Usually I would worry about what the other person thought of me.  But I stood my ground and spoke with conviction.  Kathryn told me to seize the positive feeling that I gained from this experience and relive it whenever I feel like running for the hills.  And, better still, I should reward myself for tackling things head on.

Kathryn said: "Reward yourself whenever you come out of that comfort zone and feel that internal stretch, and that doesn't mean spending a fortune".  So a hot bath, a (low fat) chocolate mousse and a nice glass of white wine are calling me.  Instead of torturing myself by dwelling on the negative, I agree to think of three things that have gone well that day before I go to bed.  And Kathryn, of Living Years Coaching in Newhey, also suggests using confidence triggers, such as writing notes to myself or carrying a lucky stone. 

I think of the big cuddly toy dog that my mum and dad gave me on my wedding day, which always makes me smile and feel at ease.  But I think that might be going a step too far if I hauled him around with me or sat him at my desk.  At the end of our second session Kathryn presents me with a list of eight questions which will help me to identify my purpose in life.  Gulp.  And I agree to book a follow-up sessions with her in a week or two after I have completed them.