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The demand for life and career coaching has grown in recent years, as more people are seeking advice and guidance on what to do when they are stuck at a crossroads, both professionally and personally.
If you feel unsure of your next step, then it is important to take the time to stop, evaluate where you are at and where you want to get to. The start of a new year often provides that opportunity.
Carolyn Curtis, founder of Coach4Life was forced to re-evaluate everything when she faced a serious illness that led her to feeling lost in her own life. Facing these challenges also turned into her greatest turning point.
“I discovered the power of self-belief, mindfulness, and leaning into my inner strength. And what I learned is this: life can change dramatically when we decide to take control of it,” says Carolyn.
That experience became the foundation for her work as a life coach.
“With over 25 years of experience, I’ve witnessed people rediscover their confidence and uncover their purpose,” she says.
Tailoring every session to the unique needs of each person, Carolyn’s aim is to not just coach, but to empower people to find the answers they are looking for.
Many people reach moments in life where clarity and progress feels just out of reach, which is where life coaching becomes most important, according to Carolyn.
“A skilled coach listens and helps you see what you might have overlooked – they challenge you in the best possible way,” she says.
Whether you’re navigating a career change; seeking more balance and confidence; or simply trying to figure out what’s next, coaching can provide clarity, accountability, and inspiration.
Here are Carolyn’s five tips on setting new career goals for 2025:
1. Tune in to yourself: Awareness is the first step to creating a fulfilling career. Take a moment to check in with yourself and ask yourself : “What are I am really seeking in my work?”, “What kind of career do I want to build?”
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to pause. But when you take the time to listen to your own thoughts, that’s often when the direction reveals itself.
2. Imagine what feels right for you: Close your eyes and picture yourself in your dream job. But don’t just focus on the role you want—think about the person you want to become.
Reflect on your values and be rooted in something that goes beyond just career advancement. What do you want to contribute through your work?
3. Set goals that feel right: Setting goals is not just about checking things off a list—it’s about why they matter to you.
Also balance is key. It’s easy to get swept up in the concept of achieving more, but make sure your goals challenge you without sacrificing your well-being.
4. Take one step at a time: Start with small steps that feel right to you. Even the tiniest action can begin to shift things in the right direction. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
5. Surround yourself with the right people: The people around you can either uplift you or drain your energy, so it’s important to find those who support and inspire you.
Carolyn Curtis is an internationally accredited master life coach and life coach trainer. See coach4life.ie or email info@coach4life.ie
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