Journey of Self-Discovery Through Coaching
When I began the Level 1 ICF accredited coach training program with Coach-To-Transformation, I expected a straightforward journey learning practical techniques and applying them with confidence. However, I quickly discovered that coaching is far more than a set of tools; it demands discipline, deep self-reflection, and the courage to examine one’s own habits.
I started the programme with strong motivation and a desire to perform well. Initially, I believed effective coaching meant asking the “right” questions and guiding clients toward solutions. I learned that coaching is less about directing and more about creating space, allowing clients to think, explore, and arrive at their own insights.
One of my most impactful learning experiences came from recording and reviewing my practice sessions. Seeing myself on video revealed a gap between intention and practice — I was speaking far more than I should, exceeding the recommended 20% in the AAA model (Agreement, Awareness, Action). It was a habit I knew I would have to correct long before working toward ICF ACC certification. While I was confident in establishing agreements, I recognized that I needed to strengthen the Awareness phase by listening more deeply and speaking less.
This was a turning point. It shifted my focus from “doing coaching” to “being present,” reinforcing that self-awareness is at the heart of effective coaching. Balancing the programme with my professional and personal life presents real challenges, ones I suspect are familiar to many people who take on ICF coach training programs alongside full-time work. Alongside a demanding workload, I care for my elderly and unwell mother, which requires my full attention when I am home. At times, this made it difficult to maintain consistency in practice sessions. Rather than slowing me down, these challenges became part of learning, teaching me resilience, discipline, and the importance of intentional time management.
Despite these pressures, I have experienced a meaningful shift in how I engage with others. I am more patient, more attentive, and more comfortable with silence. Instead of feeling the need to provide answers, I now focus on listening deeply and trusting the client’s ability to find their own path.
This transformation extends beyond coaching sessions. It has influenced my daily interactions, strengthening my empathy and presence in both professional and personal relationships. This journey has shown me that coaching is both inward and outward; it is about understanding yourself while enabling others to grow. An ICF accredited coach training program makes that clear early on: the work is built on curiosity, reflection, and consistent practice.
As I continue this path, I remain committed to deepening my practice and embracing each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Coaching, I now realize, is not just a skill, it is a way of being that shapes how we listen, connect, and lead. Whether or not one goes on to practise as a certified leadership coach, that shift stays with you.
Author Name: Fatuma Mohamed Suber
