In summer of 2019, I started my EQ journey. Fresh from the school year, I had a real heart to support teachers. There is so much stress and overwhelm and often not the tools of resilience, stress management and emotional regulation. I wanted to change that and took a week long course in Menlo Park, California called “EQ Core” I learned the fundamentals of emotional intelligence. Know Yourself (awareness), Choose Yourself (choice), Give yourself (purpose).
I wanted to go directly into 6 Seconds Program, but my mentor told me not to jump right in. Still, I had my vision. At that time I bought a Daruma doll and colored in one of the eyes. This is a Japanese tradition for setting goals. Daruma was the founder of Zen and an consummate meditator. Have a likeness looking at you is a reminder to stay unswervingly dedicated to your cause.
In early 2020, I launched my business Appleseed EQ and this website. I had big dreams. Then the COVID pandemic hit. People had all kinds of COVID projects. Home renovation, reading, baking sourdough bread. I relentlessly took EQ related courses. EQ Educator, EQ Facilitator, HeartMath. Still my mentor said – “hold off on coaching.”
Finally in 2021, I felt I had a firm foundation and was ready ACC. The Associate Certified Coach is the initial coaching credential offered by the International Coaching Federation. Coaching can be a bit of a Wild West – anyone can call themselves a “coach.” ICF seeks to certify coaches who demonstrate competence. I felt I had a lot of good potential, but really wanted to make sure I have all the basics covered. I said to my mentor “I’m doing ACC!” and he said, “Are you sure your are ready?” I said “Yes!” He said, “Do it!”
The stats for my ACC:
- 223.5+ hours. coaching coursework
- 10+ mentor hours
- 100+ hours coaching clients
Next Step: 500 coaching hours and PCC certification!
