Name: Lara Heacock
Age: 39
Job Title and Description: Life Coach & leader of the Self Kindness revolution
College Name/Major: Moravian College/Counseling Psychology + MBA from University of Phoenix
Website: www.kindovermatter.com
Twitter Handle: @kindovermatter
Instagram Handle: @kindovermatter
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
There is definitely not a typical day! Some days are packed with one-on-one client sessions while others are spent planning upcoming programs, speaking engagements and writing. Writing is a passion of mine, and I write for KindOverMatter.com every Monday. I also write for Huffington Post and other sites and am working on a book. I also serve as a mentor for the Courageous Living Coaching Certification training program (from which I graduated), so I’m spending time interacting with the trainees, as well.
What is the best part of your job?
LH: Connecting with amazing people. It is an absolutely privilege to walk with my clients on their path of change. To be able to see the possibilities for someone else when they aren’t able to see them for themselves, and then take them to that place, is the most magical “job” in the world. Every time I start working with a client, I have a clear vision of what’s possible for them. Often, they’re stuck and can’t imagine anything different so I can help by being able to see through their “stuckness” to their true potential. The magical “ah ha” moment for me is when they start to see the vision I’ve held for them. It is the most rewarding feeling I know.
What inspired you to leave your job as a recruiter and enroll in a Life Coach training program?
LH: I actually did both simultaneously! I think it’s so important for women to hear that they can be successful even if they’re not able to take a big leap. It’s OK to keep your day job as you’re starting your business. It’s OK to follow your passion as you keep the paycheck coming in. For me, enrolling in Life Coach training was such a powerful YES, but I knew I couldn’t afford to quit my job…so I didn’t! I took the financial pressure off myself so I could concentrate on learning the skill of coaching and start a business.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
LH: The biggest mistake I made was trying to have it all figured out up front. As I look back, I can clearly see that my Coaching business has been an evolution. My message had to go through a few iterations before I settled into Self Kindness. I tend to be a perfectionist and put a lot of pressure on myself to ‘get it right’. The truth is that we are all growing, and change is inevitable. I’ve learned to embrace change, and recognize it for what it is – a sign that I’m moving forward and growing.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
LH: The most surreal moment was when I went to CA in January 2016 to Mentor a new class coach trainees, and several of them recognized me as the KindOverMatter woman! It was amazing and completely surreal at the same moment!
What advice would you offer to a 20 something with similar aspirations?
LH: Take any step you can. I graduated college in 1999 and investigated Life Coaching then. For a number of reasons, I put it on the back burner. I’m incredibly proud of myself for coming back to my dream and making it happen, but if I could give my 22 year old self any advice, it would be to start soon. No matter how small the step, anything you do to move toward your goal, is progress.