It's a key question to ask yourself if you believe your relationship needs reframing, you are being misunderstood, taken for granted, unsure of what to say to your friend/partner of 6 months, 6 or 60 years!! If none of this is important to you, perhaps you should move on or move out and stop reading here! So, your relationship is important then? In which case... When was the last time you really listened to your Partner without interruption? When was the last time you told yo

When I google this term it comes up with everything sport related, which is understandable considering the title, but personal development coaching can be at speed too, with the right topic. Are you... Preparing for an interview? About to have a potentially challenging conversation? Looking to be creative in a session you are running soon? Wanting to run ideas past someone before an important meeting? Needing a 'partner' for a specific goal? Keen for a better understanding of

Which one's resonate with you? Here's an example...some of which may be mine? STOP   Making assumptions about things and people. Wasting energy on things you can do nothing about. Saying 'Yes' to everything. Neglecting yourself. Comparing yourself to others...there is only one 'you' and if you don't like 'you', change it on your own terms! Doing everything alone. Sharing does not = failure. Being indispensable - because you're not and you'll never have any peace! START Someth

Bad experiences Perhaps you've worked with a so called 'Coach' only to find out they had their own agenda, gave you lots of advice & feedback you didn't ask for and you came away with a lack of trust & feeling not in control of your own future. The downside of being a genuine coach like me is the industry is not regulated, so anyone can call themselves a coach. A real Coach will always have what is important to you at the heart of the conversation , ask open questions, liste

I could spend time talking about why people don't take responsibility for their own actions, however people are likely to know the reasons why and if they don't, perhaps they need a Coach ?! I'm much more interested in how taking personal responsibility will support a more positive future for you and those around you. The Benefits You understand and own your actions. You take control of your future vs hanging on to the past. Helps to build your self esteem. Empowers you to le

You'll be successful with your personal and professional goals when... you commit to things which are most important to you now. you are completely motivated to achieve them, even if there are curveballs along the way. you are being honest with yourself about what you are prepared to do. you accept responsibility for your actions and put in place accountability measures. you are willing to be stretched (to a realistic point!) you are excited about what's ahead. you prioritise

It can be difficult sometimes to know what's real and what isn't in this world. This is likely to get even more challenging in 2026 and beyond. Having someone like a Coach can help you to cut through what is real and what isn't, helping you to live a genuine and fulfilling life. Do beware though of the style over substance 'Coaches' they could be giving you their fakery! For example... Creating an illusion of your success - Creating a performance over substance mentality...i

It doesn't have to be. Of course you might like your life this way, however... If everything becomes about communication through technology, what are you and indeed I, potentially denying ourselves? So when you get the opportunity to have some face to face (F2F) time, either personally or professionally, seize the moment or challenge yourself...depending on how you see it. From my personal experience, here are 10 real benefits of mixing face to face interaction with media co

What's important to you isn't always important to others. This is a core truth about individuality and perspective , highlighting that everyone has unique values, goals, and priorities. You define your own path, not relying on others' validation for happiness or self-worth. Focus instead on personal growth, integrity, and what brings you meaning, even if it seems small to someone else . However, what can you do/say to those who deem 'their thing' is of utmost importance! "

This month - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Use the quick coaching checker method below for each of the 5 blocks of Maslow's diagram above, starting at the bottom of the pyramid. Only move to the next block once you are satisfied your needs are being met in the current one. What action/s do you need to take before moving on? Coaching Checker 1st Block - How am I getting all the basics in life which are important to me? 2nd Block - What do I need to feel secure in life? 3rd Block

Definition - A general human tendency to associate and bond with those who are similar to ourselves which often translates into strong same-gender friendships. This week, I am interviewing myself through the medium of Coaching to understand how Homophily presented itself in my own life. Where is your comfort zone? Well, it was my perception that as a gay man, women & other gay men (to a certain extent) were my bond. After realising at a later stage in my life why I was avoid

Over the course of this year, I will answer the questions I get asked the most. Here are the first three. When would I need you as my Coach? When you are ready to look forward. When you want to find solutions. When you are willing to make time and space to complete actions. Why would I need you as my Coach? To offer you fresh perspectives. To provide a flexible and creative approach to your goals. To provide a safe space with no judgement or history. To identify your blind sp

Some words can have different meanings for different people, even triggering something unpleasant when perhaps they were meant to be positive. BOTH giver and receiver are responsible for what they do or say next! Giver - Pause before you speak, even if it's giving a reaction to what someone has said. It's likely you will be more considered in your approach, even if you still feel the need to be mean! Receiver - if words trigger a negative response, you too can pause, refl

Ingredients Trust Conflict Resolution Team Commitment Accountability Results Focused Method Start with building trust. This is the main ingredient, so add an extra dollop here if you feel it's helpful. Add some conflict resolution. Gently fold (don't stir) until all the lumps have been removed. The final result should look as smooth as silk. Sprinkle in team commitment. Each of these spices are important to the overall flavour so don't miss any of them out! Measure out and ad

I know, I know, not the most pleasant question to start the new year, but hopefully it got your attention! Ask yourself...Why am I not getting the results I hoped for? at Interview In your relationships in Leadership with your colleagues or friends etc etc Have you thought about what you may be 'leaking'?. What negative signs are you giving off which you think you're hiding well but others can see straight through you! (Even if they don't tell you!!) This could be a moment in

On the twelve days of Christmas Coaching, Ian gives to you... Twelve drummers developing... There is no age limit to developing yourself, not quite sure where to start? HERE to help. Eleven pipers perspectives... When was the last time you paused to put things in perspective? Do it now, you'll let go of stuff getting in the way. Ten lords-a-laughing... Life is for laughing and so is coaching...humour is worthwhile in conversation, it's not always about being serious & earnes

What or who are you saying 'No' to this month? For some, It can be hard to say this word, especially if it feels there is an emotional connection, a perceived urgency or guilt on the recipients part, for example. Questions to consider before you even get to this type of conversation... What are my priorities in life? (Helps you to be clear about what you are prepared to say 'yes' and 'no' to) How does this fit in with what is important to me? (Are your needs being met as much

What are some of the things you can do today & this month to keep up the tempo of your goals, even if you end up hitting some bum notes!...

If you've read my blogs (thank you), I am always looking to give you some tips, techniques and thoughts to take away. In addition, from...

What I mean is...August is a perfect month to awaken a feeling, response or emotion inside of you, which creates the need for future...