A “Bounce Forward” Experience
Earlier this year I met an inspirational woman who was struggling with the fear of the unknown after her role was made redundant. Katy took part in our Bounce Forward programme and I was lucky enough to see how effective the outcomes of self-empowerment, resilience, and determination were for her. Below is an interview, that Katy was kind enough to take part in to help others see the benefit of the Bounce Forward Programme.
So Katy, can you remember and describe to me how you were feeling after you were told that your role was being made redundant?
Yes. This was my first redundancy, so it hit me quite hard and I felt pretty lost with the fear of the unknown. I guess I didn’t know where to turn, especially in the current climate with the coronavirus alienating the “norm” and having a detrimental impact on the hospitality industry in which I was building my career.
What was the main reason for wanting to join our Bounce Forward programme?
Well, not only was I feeling lost but for some reason, I was feeling like I wasn’t good enough. My confidence had completely plummeted! Everything seemed overwhelming and I was struggling to know where to focus and the Bounce Forward course gave me that structure again. I liked how the course was broken down into 6 sections each with beneficial outcomes. I enjoyed bouncing ideas and experiences from one another in the group and we helped each other without realising it.
It’s interesting you say that you felt you weren’t good enough; do you still feel that way about yourself as strongly?
No, not at all! It was great how the course covered imposter phenomenon. I am now able to notice the inner voice that tries to put negative thoughts out there. Now when it does pipe up, questioning it with “where is the evidence?” helps knock it back. We all have those thoughts where we begin to question ourselves but acknowledging them and being able to prove that inner voice wrong, gives you that feeling of self-empowerment.
That’s so great to hear Katy! It’s great to see how much impact it has had on you. As you know, we covered 6 main topics. What helped you most to keep motivated and moving forward?
Hmm…I don’t think there was one particular session that I can pinpoint and say ‘that was my turning point.’ It was a combination of all the techniques learned and put together. However, by beginning with acknowledging my core values and strengths, it felt like I was rediscovering myself again. It made me realise how far I had come to be where I am today even if it was without a job because of redundancy. Finding that inner confidence and becoming self-aware was vital to beginning this journey. I found it hard to focus again so I really found the Huge Unbelievable Great Goal (HUGG) Pyramid most useful to me. We broke things down even further than I thought we could, and it made me see in a simple way what I needed to concentrate on one step at a time. Before, I was trying to take that huge leap that I wasn’t going to make in one go, so breaking my goal down into achievable bitesize pieces, gave me a real boost. I found I was accomplishing much more this way and there was that satisfying feeling of success. Success that you also helped us learn we must celebrate.
Yes, you definitely have to celebrate your wins! Big or small, they are still success stories that you can say you accomplished on your journey to achieving your Huge Unbelievably Great Goal* It’s all about being able to keep up that positive outlook.
Yes, and while I don’t do this as much as I should, I am still doing my Positive Attitude Log. It helps me re-focus on what I achieved in a day. It doesn’t have to be work-related, but it makes me feel like I’m on the right track.
That’s so good to hear Katy and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about how you’re coming along. I wish you all the best on your new venture and if you keep putting what we learned into practice, I know we will see great things.
If you would like to hear more about anything that we have touched on today, let’s arrange a free 20-minute consultation to see how we can help you Bounce Forward too.
*Andy Cope’s amazing tool from The Art of Brilliance.