From Self-Doubt to Confident Leadership: Executive Coaching Helped Me Clarify My Direction and Rekindled My Energy
How One Leader Broke Through Her Bottlenecks in Life and Leadership
Have you ever felt suffocated by countless pairs of eyes staring at you, doubting that you could ever meet the expectations of others?
Before my coaching journey, I was often overwhelmed by such self-doubt and anxiety. Working with Coach Richard clarified my life direction, and my career regained focus. I even experienced substantial breakthroughs. My journey from self-doubt to confident leadership might be the transformation you can experience.
Clarify My Life, Refocus on My Mission: The First Step Toward Confident Leadership
My coach created a safe and accepting environment where I could open up and speak freely without fear of being judged. I realised that I had stagnated and even considered leaving the ministry because I was overly concerned with other people’s opinions. Once, when my coach asked me how I felt, an image of countless eyes staring at me flashed through my mind. That made me realise how deeply external expectations trapped me.
“Though awkward at first, I eventually learned to express myself confidently. Gradually, joy and freedom filled my heart. This self-acceptance brought about a profound inner transformation.”
Rev. Deborah Lin
Lead Pastor, Wugu Bread of Life Christian Church, Bread of Life Christian Church in Taipei
During our coaching sessions, my coach helped me realign with my vision and mission for my ministry. As my focus shifted, the “eyes” that once made me nervous faded away, replaced by a renewed focus on the people and things that truly mattered. This transformation brought me a sense of release I had never experienced before.
From Self-Abasement to Self-Affirmation: Releasing Inner Energy
My coach asked, “Why do you often feel self-abasement and doubt?” This question struck a deep chord with me. It reminded me of the overwhelming demands and criticisms I faced during my formative years. Phrases like “You’re not good enough,” “You need to try harder,” and “You still need to improve” echoed in my mind. These negative voices far outnumbered those of encouragement and affirmation, creating a “black hole” within me. Even though I now receive compliments and affirmations, I struggle to accept them.
With my coach’s guidance, I began practising declarations of self-affirmation. Though awkward at first, I eventually learned to express myself confidently. Gradually, joy and freedom filled my heart. This self-acceptance brought about a profound inner transformation.
Managing Priorities: Focusing on the Mission and Restoring My Battery
Through my coach’s questions and reflections, I realised I was often exhausted and burned out. It felt as though my “battery” was never fully charged. My coach helped me recognise that, as someone with a strong sense of responsibility (one of my CliftonStrengths top themes is “Responsibility”), I tended to take on too much without even realising it. He guided me in discerning what I should prioritise and what I should let go of.
The process taught me to focus on the most critical tasks God entrusted to me, rather than attempting to do everything. This shift has led to a significant breakthrough in my life and leadership, helping to restore my energy.
The Profound Impact of Coaching: Ongoing Breakthroughs
Our coaching conversations proved to be highly productive during the coaching collaboration, helping me clarify my thoughts and realign my focus. What surprised me even more was that, after the sessions, I often experienced breakthroughs and growth related to our discussion. This highlighted for me the profound impact that coaching can have.
Coach Richard possesses the qualities of a professional coach and demonstrates deep spiritual insights and empathy. He listens attentively and accepts all my emotional expressions, both positive and negative. While he remains unaffected by my emotions, he always responds with genuine empathy and presence. He never judges me, creating a safe and trusting environment where I feel comfortable exploring myself.
Richard grasped the core issues in my sharing and offered timely guidance. He never criticises, but could identify the root problems and help guide me toward genuine transformation. He is a coach who embodies both professionalism and spiritual depth.
I’m deeply grateful for Coach Richard’s companionship and guidance, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking breakthroughs and growth.