If there is a correct way to do personal development, I’m definitely not doing it.
I haven’t done any real structured exercise in three weeks. Not a single stretch, no strength circuit. I also haven’t journalled, meal prepped, or done anything you’d find on a morning routine Pinterest board.
Instead, I’ve been coaching brilliant humans, planting veggies, bingeing Stranger Things with my kid, writing a psychotherapy assignment that slightly fried my brain, and stacking a LOT of wood.
There’s this idea floating around out there that we should be able to do everything — exercise regularly, stay calm and present, keep the house tidy, make nourishing meals, reply to messages, grow as a person, and never miss a beat.
Perfectly. Consistently. Forever.
Apparently, I’m also meant to be:
– Waking up at 5am
– Starting the day with intentional movement
– Sticking to a screen-free evening routine
– Saying daily affirmations into the mirror
– Never doom-scrolling
– And visualising m...
Read more
How Life Coaches Are Using Their Personal Struggles to Uplift and Empower Others
Life’s most challenging moments—be it loss, trauma, or significant transitions—can often leave individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Yet, within these experiences lies the potential for profound growth and transformation. At Life Purpose Institute, we’ve witnessed countless individuals harness their personal adversities to inspire and guide others through coaching.
Coaching Through Miscarriage and Infant Loss
One of our graduates transformed her personal journey through miscarriage into a compassionate coaching practice. Having navigated the complex emotions associated with pregnancy loss, she now offers a safe space for women to process their grief, rediscover their identity, and cultivate hope for the future. Her lived experience brings a depth of understanding that resonates deeply with her clients.
Supporting Individuals Through Divorce
Divorce signifies not just the end of a relationship but t...
Read more
By Fern Gorin, Founder of Life Purpose Institute
When I began coaching in 1984, no one was calling it “life coaching.” I had developed a process to support people in discovering their life purpose, career and direction. What emerged was something much more comprehensive. I found myself asking powerful questions—not just about their jobs, but about their lives, their relationships, and their dreams. I watched as clients gained clarity, created action plans, and most importantly, took meaningful steps forward. It was transformative. And I knew I had found something that worked.
Before coaching, I was working in the field of counseling, where I often felt frustrated by the slow pace of progress. The moment I shifted to a more action-oriented, client-led approach—facilitating insights, setting goals, and holding clients accountable—I finally saw the results I was seeking. It was a breakthrough moment that changed the course of my professional life.
From Personal Breakthroughs to a Th...
Read more
For years, society has conditioned us to believe that hiding our tears is a sign of strength. From childhood, many of us heard phrases like, “Don’t cry, be strong,” or “Crying won’t solve anything.” The unspoken rule was clear: strength lies in stoicism, not vulnerability. Yet, this myth does more harm than good, leaving countless people disconnected from their emotions and, ironically, weaker in the face of life’s challenges.
Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions—is the true measure of strength. It’s about knowing when to hold it together and when to let it out. But how do we shift a cultural mindset that equates tears with weakness? The answer lies in stories that show how embracing emotions can lead to transformation.
I once coached a CEO who admitted, with great hesitation, that she cried in her car after every tough board meeting. She described these tears as a shameful secret, one that made her feel inadequate as a leader. When I ask...
Read more
