Why do I do what I do?
Someone asked me today why I decided to become a coach and why I wanted to set up my business. I think it’s something I talk about a lot, but perhaps not enough, so here’s why…
Growing up, I was never very sure of myself. I was on the outskirts of all the friendship groups, and I didn’t feel quite right in my own skin and I had permanent anxiety.
People would come to me to tell me their secrets and sort their problems from a very young age, then they would move on. Often, I would take those issues onboard for myself and I would feel it physically, I didn't understand this then and I now know the term empath. In fact, I had no knowledge of anything that could actively change your life. I thought life just happened to you.
I’m not sure how much it would have helped me to know, I connected with people through their issues, a lot of us do. Human beings connect through adversity. How often do we see people standing in the rain moaning about the weather? It allows people who are strangers to talk, it gives them common ground.
I completed my fashion degree (which I hated) and went on to stay in a company for 12 years that I had no intention of staying in for more than a few weeks. It gave me great experiences and had I realised I would stay for so long, I could have benefitted from it far more than I did, but I knew it wasn’t my life’s mission.
I got married and had 2 children and my mission became supporting my family practically and emotionally. I took on the role of dealing with life while my husband dealt with career building. Looking back, I did a lot of coaching in those years and my husband became successful in his role.
I struggled through postnatal depression, auto-immune illness and then the marriage ended. It was an amicable decision but a few years later I knew I would have to find a career. But what?
I had been out of corporate for a long time, had very few actual qualifications (that were of any use) and I knew I wanted more than a “pocket money” job. I wanted to be financially self-sufficient. I also wanted to be around for the kids as much as possible because, although my parents are amazing, alternative options were limited. More than all of this though, I wanted to be happy. I hadn't been truly happy in a very long time, if ever.
I looked at my skills and knew that I love working with people, helping them to succeed and I also had experience as a trainer (I used to deliver training to staff around the world which also gave me experience in other cultures and allowed me to travel to India which I loved).
Then someone mentioned coaching. They had just qualified and thought it would suit me. I had been thinking about training as a therapist for a while but knowing that I tend to take on other people’s emotional hurt, I wasn’t sure that would be right for me.
I sat in a 2-day workshop to learn about coaching (and NLP) and thought “I’m home!”.
Initially I wanted to work mainly on NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) because I had experienced it 10 years earlier to help with Postnatal Depression, but the coaching was so future focussed and positive that I knew I wanted to add that in too. I am now the very proud owner of 3 diplomas and I have never looked back.
One of the things I didn't anticipate as a business owner is the fact I would have to learn all sorts of other things such as marketing, social media and embrace being visible. Sometimes this can be tricky. I am an open book but there are some people who watch closely and that's a bit strange. As I ask my clients to step out of their comfort zone, I also step out of mine. I share my life with you so you can learn and hopefully be inspired by my wins and mistakes.
Any difficulty in running a business is far outweighed by the benefits. I love my clients; I love the collaborations I have and the amazing people I meet on a daily basis.
I love seeing the development of my clients from lost to found, the progress they make when the lightbulb goes on, the relief when the anxiety reduces.
Why wouldn’t I want to do that forever?
If you want to know how you can work with me to find out who you are and what you want from your life and relationships, the best way is to book a Free Introductory Call.
How can an Introductory Call benefit me?
I know (as someone with introvert tendencies), having a call may feel like the last thing in the world you would want to do. I know that feeling of staring at the phone thinking, I really want to do something but this feels very scary. In all honesty, I still feel the same for a second when the phone starts to ring!
The reason it is important is that we need to know if we want to work with each other. This works 2 ways.
Building a relationship where you feel confident enough to tackle some deep issues with me starts here. Before you part with any money, before you commit to 3, 6 or 12 months deep work, we both need to know it's the right thing for you.
Because I understand how hard it is, booking the introductory call via the website creates the whole initial link. You get the meeting time you want, you receive the zoom link and reminders and then, when the time comes, we have an informal chat about what you want out of all of this. I will guide you the whole way and during this first call, we will already begin to design the life you want.
How I can help
My 1-1 programs will give you the focus, challenge and direction to find what you are looking for.
My membership will surround you with inspiring and positive people.
My Emails, YouTube and Social Media posting will give you the daily boost you need to know you are not alone, others are going through similar things and it is possible to change if you choose to.
Take the first steps towards your own Powerful Life.
Jenny Jarvis is a practicing, certified, UK Life Change Coach and NLP Practitioner who has empowered numerous people to live a life of their dreams, unleash their relationship with money and start and grow brands and businesses to great success. A truly inspirational individual, Jenny is also the mum to two amazing teens, a Reiki Master and motivational speaker. She inspires all to harness their greatness through energised coaching sessions, workshops and her membership club.
Book a free introductory session with Jenny and discovery how you might work together.