I never thought I’d need a coach just to get from the couch to the kitchen. Yet there I was, crutches in hand, wobbling like a very slow, very confused penguin, while the kids darted past, stealing handfuls of sweets from the cupboard. I realized pretty quickly that I couldn’t do this alone. Recovery is tough physically, but the mental side? That’s where coaching comes in.
My husband, Paul, is a life coach — the kind of coach who can see potential in people before they see it themselves. He works with adults, helping them shift mindset, confidence, and life direction, but he also coaches kids in sport. Back in Australia, he’s helped young athletes refine their skills, and here in Ireland, he even pitches in with GAA coaching. The only catch? He’s still learning to play with a round ball instead of an AFL ball, so picture him running around the pitch, slightly confused, arms flailing, trying to figure out which end of the ball goes where. It’s hilarious, but also inspiring — because whether it’s kids or adults, Paul somehow manages to turn hesitation into confidence and setbacks into breakthroughs. Listening to the stories of the people he coaches — and seeing him navigate a round ball — has made me fully appreciate just how life-changing coaching can be. I wasn’t about to let him coach me — some things are better coming from outside the family — but the impact of what he does has inspired me deeply.
On day three of a very difficult injury, I realized I needed someone to guide me, not just physically but mentally. Even weeks later, simple things like standing in the kitchen without wobbly knees, hopping from the couch to the fridge, or getting dressed feel impossible. And yet, having a coaching framework — someone helping me navigate the mental challenges — has completely changed my mindset. I feel stronger, more resilient, and more confident than I ever expected, even if my ankle isn’t quite on the same page.
Recovery hasn’t been without its comedic moments. Imagine trying to reach the kettle for tea while negotiating crutches and two tiny “sweets burglars” running past. Or realizing halfway down the hallway that you’ve left your water bottle on the other side, and shuffling back and forth like a very uncoordinated, very slow penguin. And yet, even in these ridiculous moments, the lessons of coaching are clear: break challenges into small steps, celebrate tiny wins, and keep moving forward, even when it feels absurd.
Listening to Paul talk about the people he coaches has been eye-opening. Adults come to him stuck, unsure, hesitant, or frustrated — and leave with clarity, confidence, and belief in themselves they didn’t have before. The transformations are profound, and witnessing them has helped me see just how life-changing coaching can be. Honestly, it’s changed me too. Did I need a bad injury for this to happen? Maybe. Maybe not. But I got it, and I got the lesson.
Coaching has ripple effects. In my teaching, I see it all the time. Children thrive when they feel seen, guided, and supported. Coaching doesn’t just help someone improve a skill — it helps them grow as a person, learn resilience, patience, and self-belief, and navigate challenges far beyond the classroom or playing field. And experiencing it myself has reminded me that these lessons apply to every part of life.
I now see coaching in a completely new light. It’s not just about performance, drills, or results — it’s about mindset, resilience, and transformation. Whether it’s a child on a sports team, a student in a classroom, or someone recovering from injury, coaching can open doors you didn’t know existed and reveal potential you didn’t know you had. And if you’re curious to experience it firsthand, Paul shares his work at https://paulheronlifecoaching.com/
So what’s the takeaway here? First, coaching isn’t just for athletes or CEOs — it’s for anyone who wants to see what they’re really capable of, even if your “game” right now is just reaching the kettle without toppling over. Second, a coach can turn tiny, frustrating steps into victories, and make you realize progress isn’t always about speed — sometimes it’s about surviving the hallway shuffle without spilling your tea. Third, even if your coach is a GAA rookie who’s still figuring out how a round ball works, the principles are the same: encouragement, patience, breaking challenges into manageable steps, and celebrating every little win.
Most importantly, coaching can change your mindset, your confidence, and your life, sometimes in ways you’d never expect. So whether you’re recovering from an injury, trying to master a new skill, or just attempting to get through the chaos of everyday life without losing your mind, remember this: find someone who believes in you, let them guide you, and don’t forget to laugh along the way — preferably at yourself.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from wobbling on crutches, sneaky kids, and a round ball, it’s that a good coach helps you stumble less, but also helps you see the funny side of every stumble.
