Take courage to keep growing and expanding as you. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #keepgrowing #keepexpanding #yournarrativematters
The toe-to-toe boxing style maybe seen as showing more bravery and grit. However, it’s not the only way to box/fight. 🥊 Does the style serve you against the opponent or the situation you’re in? We’re in a society that glorifies grafters, those who “bite down their gum shield” and work their guts out without considering the possible consequences of burnouts and damning their own health. Being able to adapt and apply an effective style according to the situation/opponent is a skill to learn. Perhaps you’ve gone “toe-to-toe” for weeks now, and can take this bank holiday weekend as a respite to regroup and reevaluate your tactics for the next round. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #lifecoachingforwomen #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #goingtoetotoe #bankholidayweekend #regroup #reevaluate
I seem to often unconsciously hold back my movement when hitting the pad. I hit the target spot-on but there’s so much more power and impact I could’ve generated and landed if I could just let my punch go through the target. We’re so ingrained to “meet” the target but like I always say, the target/goal only provides a direction, not a destination. The process/journey of your actions - not holding back, giving your all, is what matters the most. And usually, the result will surprise you and go above and beyond your original goal. 🎯🥊 Credit and appreciation goes to @ballen1766 for reminding me of this once again! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxingislife #boxingmetaphor #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingforwomen #dontholdback #enjoytheprocess #giveityourall
This is often what it comes down to when the competition is tight and even. It’s not your abilities or skills. It’s that determination in your head and heart that gives you the upper hand. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #lifecoachingforwomen #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #determination #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship
It’s never about what happens to us but how we respond to it. Whatever you have in your toolbox now, know that - 🥊 you always have the capacity to learn more; 🥊 you are doing the best you can with the resources you have; 🥊 whatever happens to you doesn’t define you; 🥊 and it’s your choice how you want to respond. Lastly and most importantly, be kind to yourself - appreciate and credit yourself for what you’ve done and not criticise what you haven’t yet. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingislife #boxingmetaphors #yourchoice
A reminder for myself today to take a step out of my own comfort zone and see what happens. If you don’t try, you don’t know. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingquotes #boxingislife #boxingmetaphors #takerisks #getoutofyourcomfortzone #domorebemorehavemore
Sometimes you hear the coach shouting this from the corner when they see their well-schooled boxer getting dragged into a scrappy fight - they lose their shape, their composure and they seem to lose their head. Sometimes it could even cost them the result. When this happens, it’s very often because the boxer gets suck into their emotions - they get annoyed, frustrated or even angry because things don’t go their way and their ego says “well, come on then, I can fight, too!” When we allow our emotions/ego calling the shots, we forget our intentions and are less in control of our actions. Do you find yourself getting “dragged into others’ fights” in life? Perhaps you (your ego) feel like you need to one up on somebody or emotions are so strong that you let them take over and do or say things you later regret? Take notice when this happens. Emotions are normal. They’re signals but YOU are the operator. When you get the signals, you can decide what you’d like to do next. You can set out your actions intentionally, keeping “your shape” and your composure. You “box”, not “fight”. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingislife #keepyourshape #keepyourcomposure
Can you believe we’re coming to the end of March? I sure can’t! From April, I’ll be heading into the third year of launching my coaching business. 🤯 Like what The Greatest said though, I’m not counting all the days gone by, and instead, I’m appreciating and grateful for each day I have and the steps I take, no matter how small they are. 🥊 Hope you all have a nice long weekend and enjoy longer daylight and Spring vibes! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingquotes #makethedayscount #spring #entrepreneurlife #solopreneur
It’s a great footwork technique to have and use in boxing and definitely a brave move to take in life. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingislife #pivots #courage #lifecoachingforwomen
I delivered an online workshop last night to a group of courageous women @fightfwd, who are going to step into the ring for the first time on 30/March, fighting for themselves and a great cause. 🥊 The process of training is rewarding and yet gruelling. We talked about coming back to our “why”, setting our “intentions” and defining our own “success” when it gets hard and we start feeling low on motivation. We also talked about nerves and anxieties are normal. They are feelings we have when our minds wander to the future, the uncertainties. When we bring ourselves back to the present, we can then find glimpses of joy and appreciate a lot more of what we have and go through right this moment. I’m grateful for the invitation from @theboxingboutique to deliver this online workshop and absolutely admire the work she’s doing, empowering this group of women. If you’d like to support them, please checkout Fight Forward page and purchase tickets for the fight night! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingempowerment #empoweringwomen #boxingmetaphors #fightforward
It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning! It was my pleasure to deliver a workshop yesterday to the group of women @teamelba on unleashing their inner strengths and confidence. We sat in the ring jotting down and sharing our thoughts and intentions going forward as well as having some demonstrations of grounding exercises borrowed from boxing 🥊. I appreciated so much for everyone’s openness to share their feelings and emotions when dealing with hard moments in their lives. They also set their own actions at the end of the workshop by “using their jabs” and being “on their feet”, grounded and ready to go with confidence. I’m very grateful for @fearlessfighterbabe for inviting me and @maverickstarstrust for their ongoing support for women in boxing/sports. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxingmetaphors #boxinglifelessons #womeninboxing #boxingmindset #confidence
Sending love to all those who are mothers. Sending love to all those who are grieving their losses as mothers. Sending love to all those who are grieving for their mothers. Sending love to all those who don’t have a mother figure in their lives. Sending love to all those who aren’t able to be mothers. #mothersday #gothedistance #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors
We’re not here to “fit in”. We’re here to make waves and add our own uniqueness and superpower into the mix. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #internationalwomensday #inclusion #investinwomen #equityforwomen
People’s boxing style always intrigues me. When I first started training to compete, I didn’t know what my “style” was. Until one training night after coming out of the ring sparring, my coach then @ballen1766 asked me a question that literally is one of the main reasons that inspired me to combine boxing and life coaching down the line. He asked me, “Do you realise you never initiated any attacks when you’re in the ring?” 🤯 It was a mind-blown moment for me. It got me thinking a lot and curious so I started to pay attention to how I boxed. I liked to be on the back foot, to counter, to pick people off, to time them and find gaps. It came naturally but it wasn’t really effective in my case. It didn’t serve me. I gave up my space to my opponent, encourage them to come forward more and more and put a lot more pressure on myself in the ring than necessary. Once I realised that, I worked to change it. I realised I was so much more effective when I went on the front foot being more aggressive and take the fight to my opponent. How does it relate to “me” as a person? I grew up in a well-protected environment where everything was “risk-assessed”. I was never allowed to do anything that might be perceived as “dangerous” as a child. I was taught to be pleasant and mild. I was punished for having a bad temper or lashing out. I could never be “on the front foot” initiating attacks. It’s not that I want to be an aggressive person in life but there are times I do wish I could just “go for it” in spite of any potential risks. But once I see this “programming” over me since childhood, I can decide if these traits serve me in certain situations. If I can see it, I can change it. I do think if it hadn’t been for my coach pointing this out to me that training night, I could still be reacting with my “natural” conditioning and allowing others to take up my space. We can all benefit from a coach that asks us thought-provoking and evocative questions. If you’ve read this far, thank you! If you’d like to explore how your natural style may shape your life, get in touch with me! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingforwomen
It’s an unofficial line of rule when judging a close bout when both boxers landing equal amount of punches and level in their skills. It’s not about who’s more aggressive but more about who is setting the pace and initiating actions. It’s about who’s “asking questions” and taking things to their opponent instead of waiting for things to happen to them. It can’t be a better reminder for me to take actions in life and make life happen. Being passive and just allowing life to happen put me in a reactive mode and doesn’t serve my purpose. Are you making the fight? Please share your thoughts with me. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxinglife #takingactions
I’m back! After indulging myself with the love and company of family and friends as well as amazing food in Taipei for three weeks, I’m back to business. It was such a pleasure to be invited to deliver a talk in the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) North East London networking event this morning, talking about finding and having more courage in business. Here are some of the main slides. Do they resonate with you? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #courage #findingcourage #courageinbusiness
Amongst many things boxing has taught me over the years, developing a “growth mindset” (C. Dweck) is possibly one of the biggest lessons that has impacted not only my boxing career but also my personal and professional life. Because… There is always so much to learn but you can’t make haste. You may have improved but you can still get knocked back. Everything is an accumulation of hard work, persistent practices and disciplines. Boxing offers the best environment to develop a growth mindset. This continuous “learning, improving, getting setbacks, and going again” kind of process, also in turn helps and drives boxers further forward. So the lesson for all of us here is… The fact that you can’t do something now doesn’t mean you will never be able to. When you do something new and feel uncomfortable, know that it’s because you’re unfamiliar with it and not because you’re not capable of doing it. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxinglife #growthmindset #boxingmindset #lifecoaching #mindset #boxingcoaching #alwayslearning
Our reactions when triggered are programmed in us, wired in our brain, because of our previous experiences or repetitive actions. They can be changed. Thanks to neuroplasticity, we can retrain not only our physical but also emotional responses. *Please note that I’m posting this with utmost cautions. For some of us who have experienced traumas in the past, the triggered reactions could sometimes go beyond our control and cause a lot of pain. Please do seek professional support, such as counselling or psychotherapy, and please also be kind and compassionate to yourself. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifecoaching #boxingislife #trigger #resources #findsupport
You can fight aggressively or calmly. You can fight proactively or reactively. You can fight positively or passively. You can impose your pace and rhythm or submit to the opponent’s. You can create openings to strike or cover up to survive. Ultimately, it’s YOUR fight. Those in your corner can tell you all the right things in the world. You’re the one to do or not do it. You’re in control of and responsible for your actions, reactions and responses. So, what is it gonna be? You got this! 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingmindset #boxingislife
I know in January many people would set their goals for the coming months or year. I’m not opposing setting goals or wanting to win here. Not at all. What I think is the purpose of goals or wanting a certain result should be providing a direction and not a destination. Really it’s the journey, the process, the experience, the learning along the way that count the most. Ultimately, if you don’t truly believe in yourself or your abilities, no amount of wins or goals that you achieve would satisfy you or be enough. However, if you take on board the things you learn and experience along the way, your life will be enriched and you may get an even bigger reward than expected. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxinglife #enjoythejourney #trusttheprocess
Hope you’re grabbing the opportunities and giving them a good go this week! 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingquotes #opportunities #gogetthem
Are you ready? 🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊 I offer 1-1 coaching using boxing in physical training and its metaphors to those ready to go face-to-face with what life throws at them. If it’s you, get in touch! 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxinglife #letsgetready
As 2023 draws to a close, I am in a reflective state, embracing growth amidst solitude. This year’s journey, marked by challenges like battling su***al depression, dealing with several family health crises, and stepping back from professional photography to focus on coaching, has been transformative. In boxing, my beloved sport, a seismic shift occurred. Hindered by a lack of support and the absence of a cornerman over the many attempts I tried to compete in 2023, I realised the need to transition from competitor to coach. This change, which I must oblige to due to circumstances, has highlighted my unacknowledged dedication. Supporting my trainees while facing the solitude of not having my corner has underscored the resilience required in coaching. This year has also shaped my adaptability and resilience, moulded by feelings of betrayal, politics and deception. Confidants and family, once my support system, drifted away, puzzled by my unwavering commitment to my dream. Trainees I carefully nurtured chose different gyms, leaving me to tread a solitary journey. Yet, these changes have not weakened my resolve but have forged a stronger will, reshaping my character. I express deep gratitude to my mentors - @qrs_tactical, @fs.cheng, @hafiz.sweatscience, @radeemrahman, @geraldlee8 - and all who believed in me in moments of doubt. Your wisdom, though I may not have always met your expectations, has been a guiding light, especially in these trying times, reminding me that there’s always a path towards light and renewal, even in darkness. As I prepare to welcome 2024, my journey has been marked by profound emotional challenges. Standing in the corner, watching my trainees fight, has unexpectedly triggered deep emotional distress, leading to major depressive episodes. This experience, while deeply painful, has been a stark reminder of the complex emotions intertwined with the sport I deeply love and am passionate about. Despite these struggles, my commitment to boxing and coaching remains unshaken. This enduring love for the sport propels me forward, fueling my resolve to continue, even in the face of personal adversity and emotional turmoil.
This is one of the phrases I often hear coaches say in the corner to their boxers. Just keep it simple. 🥊 I remember @ballen1766 used to say if you do the basics right, at novice level, a simple straight 1-2 wins you most bouts. As an official, I agree. Sometimes I watch boxers overcomplicate things and neglect their basics. Not only just novices, sometimes at elite level too. They try to throw some looping hooks or holding on/wrestling with their opponent but very often a straight 1-2 or a small step back and a backhand would simply do the job. How often do we overcomplicate things in our lives also? For example, we over-explain the reason why we can’t make the gathering or we over-think how others may react to the things we say/do so we got ourselves into an emotional spiral. When in fact, a simple “no, I can’t make it.” suffices, and the basic understanding of we can’t control how others think goes a long way. What elements in your life you crave for simplicity? What is one step you can take to help keep it simple? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #keepitsimple #simplicityisablessing
🥊 In the wake of the recent boxing upsets in Saudi Arabia, where Deontay Wilder suffered a shock loss to Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua emerged victorious against Otto Wallin, we're reminded of the importance of mental resilience and clarity in achieving our goals. 🔮 At Omar Ben Moussa's Tawhid mentoring academy, we believe in the power of mental strength and clarity to overcome challenges and find joy in life. Our services are designed to help you find your trueself, overcome mental illness, improve your relationships, and get unstuck. I'm looking for 10 people to serve in 2024 and help you have a joyful experience of life with less suffering and more clarity in your mind. If this interests you type 'Resilience'' and will circle back to you with more details. Ps: 80 % off of Getting out of your own way Program until the 31 of December. 👊 Just like Anthony Joshua, you too can bounce back stronger and better. Let us help you on your journey to success. #OmarBenMoussa #TawhidMentoring #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #BoxingLifeLessons [Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash]
Most boxers in-between camps tick over. They don’t have to go crazy in training but at the same time maintain their fitness and keep the momentum going. They keep at their road work and using the time to fine-tune their skills. It also means that when they need to get in camp, they’re not far off the mark and can up the intensity more smoothly and easily. This helps mentally massively also because they don’t feel like they need to build from a lower base level. I like the boxing sense of ticking-over and how it can be applied in life. It’s the demonstration of discipline and consistency in small achievable measures without burning ourselves out. And when the moment calls for a big push, we’ve generated enough momentum and the task wouldn’t feel like a steep mountain to climb. For example, during the holiday season, I get on with my learning & reading as well as forming & fine-tuning ideas into something more tangible and deliverable. What are some of the things you do to tick over during the “off season”? Or is there something you can do to help yourself tick over and maintain or even enhance your discipline and consistency? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #lifecoaching #tickingover #consistency #discipline #momentum
Set yourself up and flow. I appreciate this photo so much, taken by @clivewoodsportsphotography who captured the moment when I was preparing to step into the ring as a referee at this year’s Winter Box Cup. I often get people asking me if I get nervous as a ref and the answer is always, “yes, of course!” I’d go further to say I think I’m more nervous as a ref than when I was a boxer. As a boxer, I was responsible for myself but as a ref, I’m responsible for the safety of the two boxers in the ring and the fairness of the bout. This is why I take my time getting ready at ringside, practising what I preach - regulating my breathing, being mindful of what I’m doing in relation to my body (putting on the gloves, for example), and positive self-talk. I also remind myself what and who this is for and my priorities in the ring. Once I’m in there, I practise trusting myself for being able to utilise my tools for any situations, letting go of things out of my control, and just “flow” and try to be “in the zone”. For me, it’s a learning curve to understand and accept that I can’t prepare for every scenario and nothing can be perfect, AND, knowing whatever happens, I have my compass of values directing my actions and responses. Are you someone who sometimes get caught up in the preparation stage and experience no flow in your actions? Please share with me in the comments below. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingreferee #femalereferee #femaleboxingreferee #intheflow #preparation #setyourselfup
Whenever I hear coaches shouting this to their boxer from the corner, it brings me back to the days when I was boxing and leaves me wondering about the boxer. Because, it’s never your hands that need to be let go. It’s what you’re holding onto in your mind that freezes your hands, arms, and body that needs to be let go. It could be “perfection”, “fear of failure”, “fear of success”, “how you look”, “what people might think”, “high expectations (from yourself or others)”, etc., etc… If you practise letting these go, you’ll be free, your body will be free, and guess what, your “hands” will go. Many actions or inactions is the superficial “symptom”. It’s often what lies underneath, within us, that needs to be unravelled to drive the change. I’m still practising this myself, since from inside the ring back in the days to now outside, in running my own business and in life. Not easy, no. It’s liberating and rewarding, however. What are some actions you know you need to take but don’t? What is holding you back? Are you ready and willing to “dig deep” to find out? 🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊 I offer 1-1 coaching using boxing, physically and metaphorically, to help you unleash your inner strengths and move in the direction for a more fulfilled and happier life. Get in touch for a free 30-minute coaching chat to see how we can work together. 🥊❤️ #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #boxingwisdom #lettinggo #digdeep
Developing self-awareness is key both in boxing and in life. We don’t know what we don’t know. 🤷♀️ It’s also helpful to have someone supportive, such as a trusted friend or coach, in our corner to point out things we don’t see ourselves. How are you helping yourself to have a better self-awareness? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #selfawareness #breakthepattern #becurious #reflect
An appreciation post for yet another excellent @englandboxingofficial Women’s Winter Box Cup and Women in Boxing Conference on the weekend. Some of our mentors and mentees in this year’s Women’s Officials Development Programme participated and gave our best performance, learning from one another and gaining invaluable experience. 💪 I had the honour to be one of the speakers and panelists in the conference sharing tips on strengthening our mindset in preparation for a bout. 🧠 And of course, it’s always an honour to referee and judge all the women and girls who put on fantastic performances, doing themselves and their coaches proud. A massive well done and congratulations to all! 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxing #boxinglifelessons #womeninboxing #girlsinboxing #thisgirlcanbox #womensdevelopmentprogramme #alwayslearning #alwaysimproving
Nor in life. So many uncertainties, unforeseen challenges or unexpected changes we face everyday. As human beings, we like to know or predict what might happen next so we feel prepared and “in control” - to keep ourselves “safe”. The unpopular truth is we can’t. What we can do, however, is to equip ourselves with a toolbox that whatever comes our way, we have the tool to handle it. Perhaps at times we don’t have the right tool and it’s OK. We learn and enrich our toolbox. It’s a process. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingquotes #buildyourtoolbox #process
A part of boxing training for beginners is to learn to look at the punches coming their way. It’s instinctive for us to shy away or cover up, which leaves us in a powerless position. I feel this really applies to our difficult emotions or conflicts we experience in life. If we look away, ignore or suppress how we feel, we’re only allowing them to build up within us. They’re not going away. However, if we look them in the eye, be curious about what’s going on, we then have the power to make choices and to help ourselves move forward. Yes, it takes courage. Yes, it’s scary. And yes, we can all learn this skill. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boxingmetaphors #courage #lookthemintheye #empowerment
A nice little taster session at the Evergreen Health and Wellbeing Fayre today. Thank you to @marciawilliams5919 for organising the event and providing a space for health and wellbeing experts and advocates to showcase our services. I love talking about the boxing stance and how it relates to our balance in life and all attributes required to stay in homeostasis and ready for all things coming our way. The empowered feeling in the body and mind is incredible. If you’re interested to find out more, please get in touch and I’d love to arrange a free 30-minute coaching chat with you. #gotthedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingstance #balance #mindandbody
There will be three more women only Boxing+Life coaching sessions in December. If you haven’t tried it, be sure to come join us. 😊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #muswellhillwomen #muswellhillmums #muswellhill #northlondonwomen #northlondonmums
We often only see people’s achievements without knowing how much hard work is being done behind the scenes. By the same token, not everything we do needs to be done in the limelight to be valid. To all the people that just keep their head down and put the work in, I hope you acknowledge your own efforts and give yourself the credit you deserve. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #muhammadaliquotes #lifecoaching #boxinglife #boxingquotes
Next Sunday! 🥊 Come join us at the fayre. 😊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #lifecoaching #bodyandmind #wellness
I had the pleasure to deliver a 30-minute workshop to @englandboxingofficial Women’s Workforce Wellness monthly session yesterday. Here are the key slides I used in the session. I talked about how the boxing stance translates into our “stance” in life, how we can tune in to how we are feeling and make adjustments where required, and how very often we focus on “throwing punches” by always taking actions, always doing, giving and caring for others, and forget about checking in with ourselves to see if we’re OK and balanced. A boxer who trips on their own feet wouldn’t get far in a bout and the same applies in our life. If we are not well enough to do things, how are we going to do things well? What is your “boxing stance” like? Does it make you feel “ready” to embrace your daily life? …………. A heartfelt thankyou to @laurasargo for providing me with the opportunity to speak. 💛 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #boxinglifelessons #balance #boxingstance #readyposition
When I first started practising shadowboxing in front of the mirror, it was awkward, cringing even, having to look at myself. I didn’t like what I saw and it took some time to get used to it since avoiding it wasn’t really an option. The idea of it is - 🥊 The reflection in the mirror is the imaginary opponent, where the target is, so there’s a focal point for throwing shots. ((How often are we our own worst enemy?)) 🥊 It’s a great way to see if the techniques are being done correctly. ((We need to see/know it before we can change it.)) I think the biggest lesson for me from shadowboxing is learning about “acceptance” of myself in the process. The inner dialogues, such as “I look terrible.” gradually became “It’s OK, this is why I’m practising - to get better!” There is power in self-awareness and there is grace in having compassion for ourselves. What do you see when you shadowbox? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifecoaching #selfawareness #selfcompassion #powerandgrace
I completely “lost it” during a supposedly fun sparring session the other week. I felt my frustrations building up in me and within one millisecond, it was all hell breaks loose. I nearly cried, couldn’t breathe properly, and the worst of it was the shame and embarrassment I felt afterwards…for a whole week! Regulating our emotions and learning to respond to situations is a learnt skill, which requires a lot of practice. Even with lots of practice, it sneaks out now and then, and we need to learn to have some compassion for ourselves and recognise we’re human after all. If you’d like to learn more about how to respond to all those punches life throws at you, take back control, and be kinder to yourself, get in touch. 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingforwomen #lifecoaching #fightflightorfreeze #emotionalregulationskills #takebackcontrol
Show up for yourself in your own way, whatever it may be. And please, be proud of yourself. 🙌 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxingquotes #boxinglifelessons #lifecoaching #showupforyourself #champion
Another gem from one of my coaches @ballen1766 🥊 How do you relate this to your personal life and/or business? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #reframeyourthoughts #positivemindset #focusonwhatyoucando
I found myself using this phrase a lot when coaching a group of women hitting bags - They looked rushed even though there was no imminent danger (the bag doesn’t hit back!) They lost their balance on their feet as well as, I suspected, in their heads as I sensed from their out-of-sync shallow breathing. So I reminded them to “punch only when you’re ready. On your terms!” It made me wonder if this is a women thing - we often feel we need to do more to show we “can”, and we tend to get pulled into doing things that we don’t necessarily feel right about but having been brought up and taught to be amenable to please others, we do it anyway. So we’re rushed off our feet, literally here in a boxing sense and of course, metaphorically. When we punch on our terms, we feel in-sync with our body’s rhythm. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #onyourterms
It’s so important to learn this skill as a boxer, knowing the distance between you and the opponent. It’s a fine line between safety or punishment, for both parties. Our personal space, whether it’s physical or mental, needs this “fine line” or boundary to safeguard ourselves. People-pleasers, like myself, have found it difficult to set and keep boundaries. In the long run, we may feel resentful and exhausted amongst other overwhelming feelings. It’s a learnt skill, just like boxers learning to gauge the distance, you get better as you practise setting and keeping your boundaries. How have you been managing this skill? Please share below 💛 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons #boundaries #gaugeyourdistance
Who feels this one? 🙋♀️ I was emotional and had a “bad” temper when I was little. I also loved zoning out into my own little world now and then and didn’t want to respond to anyone when I did. I was constantly told off and “threatened” that I’d never have any friends if I carried on like that. Fast forward to me starting training as a boxer, I was constantly reminded that I showed too much on my face, mostly frustration, and that would cost me a great deal. Now, I’m still as emotional as ever, a “cry baby” and can’t hide what I think on my face. 😅 But it’s OK. I like that I have feelings and emotions and I don’t need to apologise to anyone for showing them anymore. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #showyouremotions #itsOK
Calling all women who are ready to break through their old conditions and unleash their physical strengths and mental power! 🥊 This is the first of its kind and so much more than a boxing class…. 💪 If you’ve been trying to find your place and voice in your environment, you’ll learn to “hold the space” unapologetically. 💪 If you’ve been wondering who you truly are, you’ll discover your “boxing style” and whether it serves you well or not. 💪 If your’ve been feeling frustrated or overwhelmed in your current situation, whatever it is, you’ll learn to embody your feelings and emotions and how to manage them. I know you’re ready for this. Let’s go! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingforwomen #groupcoaching #unleashyourpower #muswellhill #muswellhillwomen #northlondon #northlondonwomen #empoweringwomen
We don’t need to be Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran to find some grit to fight back. Whatever happens today, it’s our choice to come back with more determination and power than before. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #grit #fighters #power #comebackstronger
Trying out my new branded gloves! 🥊🤩 I’m getting ready and gearing up for the Women-Only Boxing+Life Coaching classes in Muswell Hill every Friday morning from October. Come join me and the group for some open, kind and supportive conversations and learn how to embody the transformation you want to have through the power of boxing. 🥊 All fitness levels welcomed. 😊 Details and booking link in bio. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoachingforwomen #boxinglifelessons #thepowerofboxing #boxingislife #transformations #embodyyourtransformation #muswellhill #muswellhillmums #northlondon #northlondonwomen
I was once told this by one of the veteran coaches at Islington boxing club, Jerry Mitchell. It shook me a little at the time, not only because of how Jerry was (if you know, you know 😄), but also because I thought me simply trying was enough. It reminds me of the quote very often associated with Bruce Lee “Knowing is not enough, we must apply; Willing is not enough, we must do.” - Johan Wolfgang Bon Goethe. Trying is good. Taking committed actions is how we get there. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #commitments #actions
This is about momentum. One of the very helpful tips my boxing coach gave me was to keep my feet moving in the ring, even just small steps, just keep the momentum going. We waste energy in the repetitive stop-and-start motion. Non-stop movements are energy-efficient. It’s physics and it makes sense. And the small steps, the edging-in, all add up and take you where you want to be. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #keepmoving #keepyourmomentum
Happy bank holiday weekend! We ALL need those breaks between rounds, no matter how, physically and mentally, fit, healthy or strong we are. During the 1-minute boxing break, we could take a breather, rehydrate our body, receive affirmations of what worked in the previous round, get pointers of what adjustments need to be made or even change tactics for the next round. 1 minute seems short. When used well, it can change the whole fight. What are you doing during your break to set yourself up for your next round? 🥊 #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #breaksbetweenrounds #breaks #bankholidayweekend #selfcare #setyourselfup
Powerful punches come from planting our feet, where we generate power from the ground up and drive it through. Metaphorically, it’s a reminder that if we want to have an impact in what we do, our business, our jobs, our relationships, we really need to commit in our actions to maximise the effect. Not only that, it’s also a great grounding exercise to do for when we experience strong emotions, such as nervousness, anxiety or loss of focus! Really feel your feet on the ground - feel where your weight is distributed or if your toes are touching the ground. Connect with your body and incorporate 3 to 5 deep belly breathing. I think Mike Tyson nailed it here! Give it a try and let me know if you feel anything different. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #grounding #calming #breathing #commitment #generatingpower #boxinglifecoaching #boxing #boxingmindset
Love the reminder on the wall @camdenboxing! I love the jab - not only throwing it as a boxer but also using it as a metaphor in my coaching programme. We use jabs to gauge distance in the ring. We use jabs to set ourselves up. With each jab, we move closer to our target. Now think of jabs as milestones in your pursuit in life. Use milestones to gauge your progress. Use milestones to set yourselves up for success. With each milestone, you move closer to your goal. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #jab #milestones #setyourselfup
I feel this quote. Not only in boxing. Everything we do does have to start with our heart. Have you found your rhythm? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #rhythm #withtheheart
Boxing coaches mean so much to us boxers. They train you so hard to a point you think they probably hate your guts 😅 and during your fights, they water you, give you crucial guidance and have your best interest at heart. They’re there when you win, and there when you lose. I’ve been very lucky to have some incredible coaches in my corner in boxing. I’ve also been very lucky to have some incredible people in my corner in life. They’re there with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. 🥹 Who’s in your corner? AND Whose corner are you in? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingcoach #inyourcorner #beinsomeonescorner
As a referee, I often see and feel this from boxers in the ring. You could be throwing the same punches and doing the same defences but to serve very different purposes. Signs I observe: 🥊 Intentionality When you’re boxing to win, your movements and shots are intentional. You see an opening and you go for it. When you’re boxing to survive, you react to what comes at you, moving or throwing aimlessly. 🥊 Commitment If you’re fighting to win, you build on your gains. As the impact of those punches aggravates, you know it’ll reap rewards. If you’re there to survive, you only do things because you’ve no other options. 🥊 Body language When you’re fighting to win, you stay in your shape and stance rather than hunching or almost curling up when you’re there to survive. 🥊 Energy / emotions When you’re there winning, you feel you’re in control and exude hope. When in survival mode, there’s a nervous energy and you feel overwhelmed and chaotic. Have you ever thought about if you’re fighting to win or to survive in your life, perhaps in your job or relationships? Let me know what you think. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #fightingtowin #intentionality #commitment #hope #boxinglifelessons
The art of fighting on the inside… I learnt to appreciate inside fighting by watching Roberto Duran. Lots of skills and little tricks. They’re subtle, yet they serve one key purpose for in-fighting - to find space and create openings. You don’t want to “smother your own work” as coaches would shout from the corner. Very often when we’re in the midst of things, entangled, we don’t see clearly and have no room for manoeuvre. A little step back can create the space we need for intentional responses rather than involuntary reactions. This is particularly true in relations to our emotions. Russ Harris in his book “The Happiness Trap” (2007) teaches us about “making room” for our emotions - we acknowledge and learn to sit with our difficult emotions without being “hooked” by them. Have you been fighting on the inside? How are you making some room for yourself? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingontheinside #insidefighting #fightingontheinside #makingroomforyourself #makingroomforemotions
Champs, how are you setting yourself up for the coming week? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #setyourselfup #championsmindset #boxingmindset #boxingmindsetcoach #discipline
If the note looks old, it’s because it’s been with me in my training bag for more than 9 years. I was given this as a reminder before my second bout in 2014 by my coach @ballen1766 A practical reminder as I tended to drag my feet in the ring. It was a problem because I’d think I was moving, either to get in range or to get out of the way, but I wasn’t. Reflecting on how my body moved in the ring at the time, a deeper rooted issue was within me - the fear of taking risks. My mind wanted to move forward but my body sensed “danger” and held back. This cannot be a better reminder for me at this point in time in my life being a solopreneur. Take risks. Move forward with the mind AND actions. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #moveforwards #takerisks #actions #mindandbody
Heard of these during a boxing bout? 🤷♀️ I have to admit that I often roll my eyes when I hear the supporters or even coaches shouting these to their boxers. Why? 🙄 You don’t know how others feel. 🙄🙄 When your focus is on others, you’re not focusing on yourself. Fact. One may argue that in a fight you need to exploit others’ weaknesses. How would that win/achievement feel though? 🤔 Do we need to put others down in order to do better or feel better about ourselves? How about we focus on our actions and what we can bring to the ring, to life, and legitimately own our achievements when we get the win? Boxers and coaches, what do you think? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #focus #actions #ownyourachievements
Making unpopular decisions… As someone who’s trying to unlearn many of my people-pleasing tendencies, making unpopular decisions could be unsettling. Luckily, being a boxing referee has given me many opportunities to practise! Last weekend at the annual Haringey Box Cup at Alexandra Palace, I disqualified a boxer, and in another contest, waved off the bout following a knock-down. Unhappy boxers and coaches. In fact, one of them made a complaint against my decision. I was upset. I felt I did something wrong because others were disappointed and unhappy. I gave myself time to process. I acknowledged my feelings were valid. They were my “conditioned” reactions as a people-pleaser. I then asked myself: Did I regret the decisions I made? ❌ Did I make those decisions based on my values (and rules)? ✅ Would I make the same decisions again? ✅ As Roy Disney said “When your values are clear to you, making decisions become easier.” I also reminded myself that I cannot control how others feel and can only control my own actions. 📸 @clivewoodsportsphotography #gothedistance #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingthroughboxing #peoplepleaser #values #decisionmaking
#throwback to @islingtonboxingclub annual May dinner shows in 2014 and 2023. I was lucky enough to have boxed under the lovely chandelier at the Royal National Hotel and nine years later, there again as a referee. Life journey is funny and intriguing. It sometimes takes you back to the same place for you to realise you’ve grown into a different person. Keep going and open to opportunities. #gothedistance #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglife #femaleboxers #femaleboxingreferee #thisgirlcanbox #transformation #keepgoing
Multi-tasking is overrated. When our brain goes into overdrive, symptoms show up in our body - shorter breaths and faster heartbeats, for example. When it happens, take a deeeep breath, and take one thing at a time. You’d feel more in control. Your brain, your nervous system and your body will thank you. Post Credit: @ballen1766 - One of the best boxing coaches in this country! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxinglife #lifecoaching #takeyourtime #onestepatatime #onepunchatatime #oneroundatatime #calmyournervoussystem #mindandbody
What does this mean to you? For me, it’s about “acceptance” with an intention and strategy to “counterpunch”. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and where you use it in life. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxinglife #acceptance #counterpunch #lifecoaching #mindset #boxingmindset #boxingmindsetcoach
IT’S LIVE!!! 😄 Please check out my website and let me know what you think! 🥰 gothedistancecoaching.net #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #lifecoaching #boxinglifelessons
This is one of my favourite quotes, especially during the time I was boxing competitively. It grounded me and gave me the reassurance I needed. For me (now I realise), the courage I had then wasn’t stepping into the ring to face an unknown opponent and shouting to the world I could do it. The courage I had was after one defeat followed by another (and another..😅...), I showed up in training, I got back on the road, and I went again and again. There are times when things are difficult, merely showing up for ourselves is one of the most courageous things we can do. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #courage #showup
Easier said than done, I know, both in boxing and in life. 🤷♀️ Yet, it’s definitely a skill we can learn and develop. To execute a roll, we need to: - be in the present. There is little point rolling before or after a punch; - have it in our toolbox. It may be sloppy and messy to begin with. Keep at it and it’ll get sharper over time; - believe we can do it. Self-beliefs give us the courage to face the punches head on and know that whatever comes, we have the ability to handle it. Very often after we roll with a punch, we can find an opening to counterpunch! #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #selfbelief #beinthepresent #letsroll
A balanced boxing stance is fundamental and a learnt skill. When we’re balanced, combinations of punches and defences as well as movements flow. Are you feeling balanced? If not, what do you need right now so you can adjust and tweak to gain that balance in your life? #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #boxingmindset #mindsetcoach #balancedlife #success #boxingquote #boxingmindsetcoach
Life lessons I learned from the art of boxing, COMPOSURE. Be with what is and accept the rules, the circumstances in that moment and address them with your skills, knowledge and experience. Do this in the ring and outside the ring every time you do this you become more resilient and ready to face any situation. . . . #composure #boxinglifelessons #lifelessons #leadershiplessons #leadershipcoaching #boxinglessons #leadbyexample
Don’t get dragged into someone else’s battle. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxinglifelessons #lifelessons #fightyourfight
A workshop that packed a punch! 🥊😉 Here are a few snaps of the mindset workshop I delivered on Sunday organised by @rathboneabc and funded by @maverickstarstrust I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to deliver something I’m so passionate about - helping people learn and develop a resilient growth mindset through the lessons boxing offers. I took the participants through three rounds of boxing, applying some of the common tactics and critical skills we use in the ring into real life scenarios. Life is like a boxing ring. #gothedistance #lifecoachingthroughboxing #workshops #mindset #boxinglifelessons #mindandbody #growthmindset #resiliencebuilding
Last Friday at the @londonboxing NAC Finals. Thrilling bouts and high level of skills displayed. Congrats to all boxers - there were no losers, just learners on this journey! Amazing 📸 @shootmyheadplease as always. #gothedistance #boxinglifelessons #lifecoachingthroughboxing #boxingreferees #femalereferees #keeplearning #trusttheprocess