1 Thing To Do To Build Your Ideal Life.

The path to success doesn't need to be a lonely one.

I’ve been seeing a psychologist for over 10 years.

As I sat down for my first session, he asked me if I would prefer counselling or coaching.

I asked him what the difference was. 

He told me, while counselling looks to resolve old pain, coaching is more learning and development based.

I need to stress here that I think counselling is important and life-changing and that more people should refer to it. 

I had originally booked this session for counselling, as I was having a bit of a tough time with life.

I was anxious and generally miserable over a relationship break-up, money troubles and challenges at work.

But I was intrigued by coaching.

It was a new concept to me; to begin with a goal, instead of a problem.

So I opted for coaching. 

Since this first session, we’ve caught up regularly to set goals and map out strategies to achieve them. 

Doubts and failures are part of any new path, so he’s helped me arm my mind with the powers of self-confidence, stoicism, philosophy and emotional management.

Now I can solve those problems when they arise.

I still am (and will always be) a highly emotional person, but now I manage my relationship with emotions much better - thanks to the valuable insights that he’s shared over the years.

But the biggest takeaway for me to this day was from that first conversation, over 10 years ago.

Learning the difference between counselling and coaching unlocked a new perspective on things.

One that I’ve applied to other areas in my life.

I now know I don’t have to wait for something to be broken to engage the experts.

I’ve started group training with a professional coach, so I can learn how to move better, prevent injury and achieve my fitness goals. 

To help with my comedy aspirations, I have joined a comedy writers’ group that offers access to a network of experts and talented creative minds who can help me hone my craft.

At work, mentorship became a crucial aspect that I have sought out - partnering with many senior execs to learn and grow from their experiences and insight. 

I’ve since taken what I’ve gained from those execs and shared it with others. They say “to teach is to learn twice”. It’s been great to be able to give back and I’m incredibly grateful to have been recognised as one of the best mentors in my industry.

Sir Richard Branson said “surround yourself with people smarter than you and your business will thrive”. 

The same can be said for life.

We all know what to do when things are broken:

• If we are sick, we go to a doctor.

• If our car breaks down, we take it to a mechanic.

• If our sink gets blocked, we call a plumber.

But why do people only seek professional help when something is wrong and need fixing? 

If there is a road between where you are and where you want to be, why not ask someone with a map?

Surround yourself with experts and prioritise self education and improvement.

Make sure they are qualified, with credentials or life experience. If they are living the life you want, find out how they did it.

It doesn’t need to be expensive.

There is a world of information out there that can be unlocked by books, podcasts, YouTube videos, TED Talks, newsletters and online courses. 

But don’t wait for a problem.

Begin with a goal.

Find the experts.

Surround yourself with them.

Let them help guide you to your ideal life.