Hayley Nicholls of Energy Coaching understands that essentially we all desire to be happy and to have love in our lives and that’s why she’s passionate about coaching women in their 30’s and 40’s to live more balanced and meaningful lives.

Hayley’s own life changed when her previous career in higher education became hollow and exhausting and she sought out a coach. “My experience working with a coach not only opened up my mind to new possibilities but also tuned me in to my own strength to create the life that I truly desired for myself.” Hayley trained as a professional coach so she too, could help others make similar discoveries about themselves.

Hayley describes Energy Coaching as ‘taming your internal tornado’. “It’s a fun way to talk about what is often a difficult time in the lives of women. I find that women are so good at looking after the needs of others that they forget about their own dreams along the way. This can then lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction and lack of fulfillment with how they are living their lives. My philosophy starts with the belief that happiness starts from inside our hearts. If we have a peaceful and happy heart, when can accomplish anything, have great relationships, good health and an enjoyable life, however we choose to live it!”

As modern day pressures increase and the search for happiness feels more unattainable Hayley sees clients who are wanting to be superwoman and having it all, and then flogging themselves emotionally if they perceive they have failed to do it all. “The ‘all’ is the stimulating career/business, the loving partner, 1.8 kids, designer home, fit and healthy body, supportive friends and the list goes on,” says Hayley. “Really, lasting happiness comes from the simple things in life and the appreciation of how beautiful and perfect we are in our hearts. When we make peace with ourselves we can free ourselves to be happy without needed to fill our lives with stuff.”

Everyone it seems these days has a coach, so who would benefit from having a coach? “Anyone who is ready to ask themselves some deeper life questions, and are ready to do what it takes to get themselves to where they want to be in life,” says Hayley. “They need to be willing to make an investment in themselves. The desired results could be a happier relationship with yourself or your partner, a change in career direction, expanding your life activities, improving your health and wellbeing. The path to these results comes from looking deeper inside yourself and taking responsibility for creating a happy life.”

Hayley advises that when it feels as though life is veering off track it’s time to slow down and get a coach. “Working with a coach is so powerful as most of us do not have people in our lives who will really listen to us. A coach is objective and caring who invites you to be completely honest with yourself. Take the time out to get a fresh perspective on your life and what is ‘really’ important to you. You will quite quickly find you have all the answers hidden inside yourself, they just need some space to get out.”

Finding the right coach is a personal choice and like hiring any other advisor, from your accountant to lawyer, it’s about finding the right fit. “The most important aspect of the relationship is trust,” says Hayley. “Without trust it won’t work. So I say trust your intuition. It has to feel right with your coach. You will know if you feel safe enough to be able to trust your coach with your thoughts and feelings. You also need to know your coach has the courage to challenge you when you start procrastinating and falling into old patterns of behaviour that you want to overcome. Look for members of the International Coach Federation which is the professional association for coaches.”

Hayley has worked with lots of amazing women making changes to their lives or gaining new insights - from the client escaping from a suffocating corporate job to start her own creative business, to women gaining new understandings of themselves and having the confidence to love and appreciate themselves. Other clients have discovered a life purpose that makes a big difference in the world, like her client who left working on reality TV shows to work on BBC World current events and documentaries. “My work is hugely rewarding,” says Hayley.

Up close with Hayley:
What do you do on Sunday mornings?
I am an early riser so I usually leave my husband in bed and head to Avondale market for fresh produce. I love the Thai delicacies and asian veges. Then its breakfast on the deck with the newspaper. Malcolm makes the best poached eggs on the planet.

What’s your favourite saying?
“If it is within your control, then why worry. If it is not within your control, they why worry?” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

What’s your favourite website/blog?
For inspiration I go to the website of the Buddhist tradition I follow. www.kadampa.org

Who’s your role model/inspiration/hero?
I have huge respect for Deepak Chopra, author and leader in the consciousness movement.

What's the best lesson you've learned?
I lost a close friend when I was 18 and realised that life was short and unpredictable. I made a decision then to love the life I live, and if not, change it.

> Visit Hayley’s website at: www.energycoach.co.nz