When Certification Isn’t Enough
When I (Shelby) first went through nurse coach certification, I thought it would teach me everything I needed. And technically, it did — I learned foundational skills that changed my life. But there was something else, something crucial that certification alone couldn’t give me.
Discovering the Power of Inner Work
Through certification, I explored my inner world, gained confidence from pro bono work, and started seeing life in a new way. It was enough to get me started, but as I walked further down this path, I realized how much inner work I had avoided over the years.
A Surprising Insight from Therapy
Around the time I was waiting for my open-heart surgery, my therapist told me something that struck me: “Shelby, nurse coaches seem to treat personal development like a sport, as if it’s a professional requirement.” I asked her if therapists had similar expectations, and she pursed her lips, saying, “None.” This insight lingered with me.
Facing My Own Inner Challenges
At the time, I was struggling with undiagnosed anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, and boundary issues. These personal challenges seeped into my coaching, creating frustration and affecting my relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
The Turning Point
If I’d ignored these issues any longer, I would have stunted my growth as a nurse coach. By addressing these barriers, I found healing and peace — and I began seeing my clients more clearly, supporting them on a deeper level.
The Power of Inner Work in Coaching
Through hundreds of coaching sessions as a client myself, I developed the skill to spot and address these hidden barriers in others. Taking certification got me started, but my personal work elevated my coaching.
A Life Transformed
Pursuing my inner growth has given me better relationships, deeper friendships, a meaningful career, and a life I’m passionate about. It has made me the mother I want to be and taught me how to savor life’s moments.
The Key to Becoming a Great Coach
The journey to becoming a great coach is simple but profound: commit to your inner work, pursue your transformation, and look in the mirror with radical self-acceptance. This path doesn’t just change your career — it changes your life.
