Sitting in my lazy boy chair late one night in August of 2019, I reached out to a few well-wishers, with a simple ask for help. I was considering enrolling in a course to learn how to become a Coach. I asked them if it was a good idea, and if yes, to advise me on some of the options available. The universe spoke to me. Within hours of my sending out those messages, all the signposts pointed me to one road. It was incredible, three different people all brought me to the same doorstep, and the next morning I paid the fee and enrolled in a program that has been transformational.
What an incredible journey inwards it has been. I have loved every minute of the learning. The study, the self-reflection, and the actual work of coaching. A few days ago my coaching log crept past the 100 hour mark, and I am now in search of a mentor to help me take the next step in the journey.
Like last time, once again, I have asked the universe to help me find the right path forward. I am listening and looking for the answer that feels right and I am sure it will reveal itself in due course.
I was talking to a friend and ex colleague and this topic came up. He started laughing and said “it sounds strange to hear you say that you need a mentor”. I was a bit surprised, so I asked him why he felt it sounded strange. He went on to explain that given my seniority and the fact that I have in many ways mentored others, it was odd to hear me say I was searching for a mentor at this stage in my life. As I reflect on this exchange, I am reminded of the beauty of learning new things and I’m grateful that I am on this journey. There is so much to gain by opening up to new experiences.
Some of the best advice I got as my search for a ‘Coach Mentor’ begins, is to be clear about what I expect and want from this experience. Do I want someone who will just help me get my accreditation certificate? Do I want someone who will help me learn and enhance my skill? Do I want someone who will push me hard to go to places where I am uncomfortable?
There is also the question of timing. Is now a good time given all the things going on in my life? As I think back to that night in August last year, when I began this journey, the answer becomes clear. There is never a good time, but there is always a right time.
When I embarked on the journey of becoming a life and leadership coach, I was less than 6 months into a new job with so much going on. I nearly talked myself out of taking the step. However I was lucky to have a supportive environment on the work front that encouraged me to go ahead. When the calling comes knocking, doors open. I am so glad that I took that first step and am grateful for all those who have allowed me the privilege of working with them to guide their steps forward. Together we move to our collective ‘what next?’. Coaching, I have discovered, is a great change enabler. As the world is going through so much change right now, it’s the perfect time to serve as a coach and to be coached.
So here is my message to the world this week. Don’t overthink it. If something is calling you, trust in the unseen hands that are there to guide our footsteps and take the next step. That’s all we need to do. One step at a time, keep moving forward and enjoy the journey.
Ask for help. The hands are there. Many invisible. Until you put your hand out and ask. Then they show up. They were always there just out of reach because you were not reaching for them. Many grateful for the chance to give. Trust in the unseen presence of a guiding hand.
Give others a chance to enjoy the gift of giving and open yourself up to learning something new. I am open to receiving, so that I can pay it forward. I am in search of a mentor and keenly listening for what the universe sends my way…
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A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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