Coach Athenkosi
Pronouns: he/his
Hometown: Nyanga East
Favorite Sport: Football
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?
Growing up, I faced my fair share of challenges. I came from a humble beginning, and my family had to work hard to make ends meet. But my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. I learned early on that life isn't always easy, but it's how you respond to those knocks that matters.
Throughout my journey, I've had my share of ups and downs. I've faced failures, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But I've always believed that every experience – good or bad – is an opportunity to learn and grow. It was my own personal struggles that led me to become a coach. I hit rock bottom a few times, and it was in those moments that I realized I had two choices: give up or use those experiences to help others. I chose the latter. Here, I've found a community that shares my values – grit, determination, and a willingness to learn from life's knocks. As a coach, I'm honored to help others find their strength, develop resilience, and unlock their full potential.
How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?
As a coach, I believe it's essential to recognize that each individual has a unique way of learning and processing information. To accommodate different learning styles and abilities, I tailor my coaching methods in several ways:
Firstly, I take the time to understand each patients preferred learning style, whether it's visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. I ask questions, observe their behavior, and adapt my communication approach accordingly. For visual learners, I use diagrams, charts, and videos to help them understand complex concepts. For auditory learners, I focus on discussions, storytelling, and metaphors to convey key messages. And for kinesthetic learners, I incorporate hands-on activities, role-playing, and experiments to make learning more engaging and interactive.
Secondly, I consider each participants cognitive abilities, such as processing speed, memory, and problem-solving skills. I break down complex information into bite-sized chunks, use clear and simple language, and provide opportunities for practice and reinforcement.
Thirdly, I'm sensitive to the emotional and social aspects of learning. I create a safe, supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I also encourage self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation to help clients develop a growth mindset and build confidence.
Lastly, I continuously assess and adjust my coaching methods based on participants feedback, progress, and changing needs. I believe that coaching is a collaborative process, and it's essential to be flexible and adapt to each client's unique requirements.
By acknowledging and accommodating different learning styles and abilities, I can provide personalized coaching that resonates with each client and helps them achieve their goals.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest ones is resistance to change, where participants struggle to let go of old habits and beliefs. To overcome this, I empathize with their concerns, highlight the benefits of change, and encourage small steps towards progress. I've also encountered participants with limited self-awareness, who don't recognize their thought patterns, emotions, or behaviors that hold them back. To address this, I use reflective questioning, feedback, and assessments to help them gain insight and develop self-awareness.
Lack of motivation is another challenge, where participants struggle to stay motivated despite obstacles or setbacks. To overcome this, I help them connect with their purpose, set meaningful goals, and celebrate small wins to maintain momentum. Additionally, I've had participants who've confronted difficult emotions or traumatic experiences during our sessions. To support them, I create a safe space, listen actively, and guide them through emotional regulation techniques to process their emotions.
I've also recognized my own biases and assumptions, which can impact my coaching. To overcome this, I engage in continuous learning, self-reflection, and cultural sensitivity training to ensure I'm inclusive and respectful of all clients' experiences. Finally, I've learned to maintain professional boundaries while being empathetic and supportive, prioritize self-care, and seek support from colleagues or mentors when needed. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, I've grown both personally and professionally as a coach, and I continue to refine my approach to support my participants success.
Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?
A memorable time for me would be the time we were at Khayelisha safe-hub foNxtGenMen. I was able to make older men speak out, which is rare to find in the township. It takes a lot for men to voice out about how they feel and what's going on in their lives, so that was a highlight for me because I've always wanted the townships to have that type of program because it teaches a lot.
What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?
To students from similar backgrounds, I'd say:
Embrace your story and don't let anyone dull your sparkle! Your experiences, though challenging, have shaped your resilience and strength.
- Be kind to yourself and prioritize self-care. You matter!
- Seek support from mentors, peers, and community. You don't have to walk alone.
- Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your growth. Progress may be slow, but it's progress!
- Stay curious, ask questions, and seek knowledge. Education is power!
- Don't let others define your potential. You are capable of achieving greatness!
- Embrace your uniqueness and don't compare yourself to others. Your journey is distinct.
- Stay true to your values and passions. They'll guide you through tough times.
- Remember, success is not a destination; it's a journey. Enjoy the process!
- You are stronger than you think! Keep pushing forward, even when it's tough.
- Your voice matters! Share your story and inspire others.
- Lastly, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Growth takes time.
Remember, your background doesn't define your future. You do! Keep shining!
How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?
As a coach, I prioritize my own mental health by being intentional with self-care. I make time for activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones. I also set boundaries and learn to say "no" when necessary, to avoid burnout.
I recognize that coaching can be emotionally demanding, so I engage in regular self-reflection and seek support from colleagues, mentors, or therapists when needed. I also prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques to maintain my energy and resilience.
Additionally, I make sure to schedule downtime and activities that bring me joy, such as reading, creative pursuits, or simply taking a relaxing bath. By prioritizing my own mental health, I can show up more fully and authentically for my clients, and maintain the energy and passion required to support them on their journeys.
What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?
I mostly go out with friends who help me relax, hit the gym at times, and stay indoors with my granny and her friends 😂
What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?
As a coach, I advise my students to prioritize their mental health and well-being by:
Being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion. Remember that you're human and it's okay to not be okay.
Connecting with your emotions and acknowledging your feelings. Don't bottle them up!
Taking breaks and resting when needed. You can't pour from an empty cup.
Engaging in activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive!
Surrounding yourself with positive influences and supportive people.
Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment.
Taking care of your physical health, as it's linked to your mental well-being.
Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say "no" when necessary.
Seeking help and support when needed - don't be afraid to ask!
Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll become a happier, healthier, and more resilient version of yourself!
