Be Your Own Life Coach

by Fiona Harrold

All of us have dreams about what we'd like to do, who we'd like to be and where we'd like to go in life. But most of us are never able to make these dreams a reality. Now, in this highly motivating new book, Fiona Harrold uses her experience as a life coach to show us that we can turn our own lives around.

With encouragement, humour and an emphasis on the practical, Fiona sets out the 10 steps to taking control of our lives. First we must set our goals, however crazy they may seem; then we must start on the path to achieving them. Along the way, Fiona uses case studies, affirmations and motivational techniques to keep us going, coaching her readers in the same way that she would her personal clients. Helping you in all areas - personal and professional - this book will be your most valuable guide to being the most that you can be.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Productivity, Business, Personal Development

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2000

Reviews

[Emma Sea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hooo boy. Me and Harrold were getting on so well. I worked through the book methodically, doing all the exercises. I found them useful, and Harrold's words inspiring. I mean, I balked at some suggestions. Harrold asks, "Why not make an altar to yourself? " And the answer to that is, "Because it would make me a dickhead." But still, I was heading to a five star, baby.

And then at 60% I hit an interesting and unusual mix of hard core neoliberalism and the Power of Attraction.

First the neoliberalism.

However well intentioned, the modern welfare state, with it’s vast array of social benefits, has spread the malaise of chronic dependency that has stunted the lives of vast numbers of able people. Too many people believe that it is acceptable and even their right to depend on the state to support them. And the disastrous consequence of this for each one of those people has been the weakening of self-reliance, the erosion of self-belief and self-worth and the growing belief that they’re useless and unfit for anything. When we begin to depend on institutions and outside help to support us then we destroy our potential for success and fulfilment . . . Today things are changing, as successive governments in both Britain and the USA are recognising the massive deficiencies of the welfare state and are putting policies in place to force people back to relying on their own resources. Several states in the USA have adopted a ‘sink or swim’ policy, by withdrawing welfare payments after two years. Critics predicted a social disaster, with hundreds of families ending up on the streets, but this hasn’t happened. Families have rallied round, jobs have been found, people have fallen back on their own resources and found solutions. (loc. 2132).

I doubt there enough space in a review for me to list the multitide of reasons why this is bullshit, so just read this NY Times piece on The Myth of Welfare’s Corrupting Influence on the Poor instead. And do some research on the fight for a living minimum wage and functional homelessness.

Then Harrold started on health.

If you’re ill, ask yourself why. Illness is always the body’s way of giving us a message. What’s yours telling you? Trust your own instinct . . . It may be that what you need is rest, a change of scene, a decision or a fresh start. If a job, a house or a relationship is making you ill, move away from it. Use the vast array of complementary health practitioners to support you in making and keeping yourself well. Try homoeopathy, reflexology, Tibetan healing, shiatsu massage, cranial osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, herbalism or kinesieology. Try one at a time, to see which one works best for you. Make it your business to find out about complementary healing. Talk to other people about it, find out what works for them and get recommendations. Never forget your body’s remarkable ability to heal itself. Trust yourself to know what you need, find people you like and trust to help you heal and never accept that any condition is beyond help. (loc 3138)

Illness is always the body’s way of giving us a message? Well, sure, as long as that message is, "Don't drink the water containing Enterobius vermicularis," or 'Don't accidentally lick rat urine," or even, "I'm so sorry you had shitty luck with your genes." You have not magically given yourself myalgic encephalomyelitis because your job isn't fulfilling you.

The statement "never accept that any condition is beyond help," is not useful. On the other hand, "Never forget your body’s remarkable ability to heal itself" is downright reckless. Medical science, my friends. It can literally cure cancer. And sometimes it can't and people die and that is a thing that happens too and denying the reality of it will not give you a satisfactory end of life experience. Quite the opposite.

So anyway, here I am at the end of the book not knowing if I should average it at 3, give a 5 for all the useful stuff, or delete it from my Kindle forever. I guess the first option?

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually enthusiastic about self-help books and suchlike, but I am enthusiastic about this one. Unlike many others, it does not assume that its readers' lives are iin ruins to begin with. It merely offers cosntructive advice.

[Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although accurate, the title seems to be… not sexy. Nevertheless, don’t be deterred, the books content is amazing. I think if you doubt what your next step should be, if you are feeling uncentered about life or career, this is a great read. It is insightful and practical. Make sure to make the exercises as prescribed.

[Paula Esmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

First motivational book I've ever read and I am satisfied with it, because is well structure, starting with how you see yourself, going throught self-confidence and your dream job and ending with how to deal with difficulties. And backed up with a lot of testimonies of famous people as her clients.

In my case, first chapters were extremely useful, because they have helped me create a better view of myself. Not going to lie, it was a process but I felt this book was the guide to where I am mentally. Then, I just went to the other chapters learning a lot and getting motivated to pursue my dream job, which at 17 is great. But, of course, I had to hit the time limit when a reader just wants to finish the book and then, I realized that there were many (maybe too many) exercises that I had to do and still, I would not finish.

But in the end, I think that the book did a good job with me (but could improve) and would recommend it.

[Angie Jones-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Fiona Harrold book I have read.

I like her style of writing, she is motivational and has good evidence and reasoning for her case studies and methods.

I have to say, having read lots of Life Coach books, I do love this one the most. I read every single word! No skimming the pages. Fiona write as I can imagine she speaks as a mentor, there is plenty to think about and further reading I have found through the quotes and suggestions made.

Above all, belive you can and you will, is the message I will take from this. I will look forward to finding more of Fiona's work. I have found it very inspiring.

[Libby Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was bowled over by this book nearly 20 years ago. This time round I was not as impressionable because I’ve read so much motivational stuff and it all sounds the same. This is a great book for younger people, women especially who are searching for ways to improve their life. Fiona’s style is easy to read and full of practical advice that still holds true today. She covers every topic on self esteem. I particularly found the section on aging and being positive about it, really interesting. Her chapter on personal appearance was also good.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit that I don't read a lot of books like this - I was given this by a friend who is encouraging me to develop skills AS a life coach for a new career direction. There was nothing really new here for me but I did see a few things to do with my own life experiences a bit differently and it reminded me of the importance of some self care practices that I have been wanting to devleop, motivating me to begin to do so. Nothing massivly life changing but I found it an encouraging read.

[Patty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried really hard to get something from this book. I could only make it to page 92 before I avoided it for a month and then realized I really didn’t want to read it. Might work well for those that like exercises that promise to get you somewhere but seem repetitive and pointless. I couldn’t do it. Off to the “didn’t finish” pile this goes.

[Sunchana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldnt agree more, really enjoyed it!!

[Carol Jannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self help books is not my thing but this one helps me and catch my attention. I loved it.

[Yvonne Tse Crepaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This life changed my life.

[Jo Mayhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for individuals who want to be inspired, lift their self esteem and take action to improve their lives with a no-nonsense approach. Fiona Harold tells it as it is whilst still supporting and encouraging the reader. Throughout the book it feels like you are receiving personal coaching from her and her style is upbeat and energising. This book has inspired me to take a lot of action in different areas of my life - the only downside is that I keep lending it out and don't get it back in a hurry! I am already on my second copy...

[Rebecca Haslam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my university well-being advisor after I began struggling with some issues while in my final year or so at university. Despite the recommendation, I found I've read much more helpful books and guides than this and although a few pages offered helpful advice and tips for dealing with certain issues, I found it to be a book that ultimately didn't feel suited to me.

[Dennis]

In dit boek - met een hoog motiverend karakter - leert Fiona Harrold je hoe je jezelf kunt coachen om al je dromen te laten uitkomen, uw doelen te bereiken en de persoon te worden die je echt wil zijn. Dit alles met eenvoudige en effectieve technieken.

[Teresa Clifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the way the author created a contract with the reader and all the exercises that got me thinking about the belief systems I hold still about my life. Well worth a read to help you follow your dreams and to get you out of your comfort zone.

[Seth Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely a must read book that'll help you take a look at what you're doing with your life and put you on the right track. Helps with your life, job, relationships etc.

[Gary Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that changed my life in 2005.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating, brilliant!

[Tania Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! I went through coaching and then trained to be a life coach myself! Nearly 7 years of coaching later, this book still inspires me.

[Denise LeCroy]

Very inspiring, with easy to implement actions.

[Gerry]

This book helped me more that any other self-help book I've ever read, and I've read a lot of them.