Tammy Whalen Blake, Personal Development Coach, Go To Yellow
After being made redundant, Tammy Whelan Blake took a step back and re-built her mindset and her life. Now she helps other people do the same using her unique 'Yellow Tools'. Tammy talks to The Industry Leaders about her journey.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I was living the dream, climbing the ladder of life with all the wealth, success and health, until a redundancy struck. It was a turning point in my life that left me in a situation where I could rebrand myself. By accident, I built myself a coaching tool to discover my purpose and crafted a step-by-step plan.
Turns out this was my secret superpower that was ignored due to living in a fast-paced world. It was my wake up call to step into who I am supposed to be.
What kind of work does your role involve?
After reflecting on my journey, I realised that I had given myself powerful tools for positive change. I decided that they needed to be recognised, and so my 'Yellow Tools' were born, leading to the conception of 'Go to Yellow'.
I knew that there were many professionals and business owners that would also benefit from my system. Now I coach clients to achieve their version of success without overworking.
What gets you excited about your industry?
The clients get me excited - those who want change and will be totally committed to results. I never work with an undecided client as I am not in the industry to make money without knowing I can help someone get the results.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice anyone has ever given me was "feel the fear and do it anyway". Fear keeps us safe. Growth isn't achieved in safe. My goals often start with "to fail at..." This teaches me not to be perfect but instead try and learn. My growth is phenomenal because of this mantra.
What, or who inspires you?
Tony Robbins is an inspiration. His work changed my life back in 2012, and he continues to inspire me.
I also inspire myself with the power of my Vision Statements (a service I also offer clients). This way, I am 100% reliant on myself to be the person I want to become. It is a motivating force that can't be stopped.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
There are many sources for guidance to keep up in my industry, but as a kinesthetic learner, I learn by doing and then reflecting.
YouTube, podcasts and coaching bodies are most helpful for understanding coaching practises. To stand out, I have found a better approach, which is to actively listen to clients and build solutions around the lessons. It led me to create 5 services that are unique to my coaching practice.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
Battling my "not good enough" mentality back in 2014. Within 6 months, I had gained 14lbs; food had become a comfort. Sugar cravings left me low on energy, and unmotivated and sleep was hard to come by because I was overthinking everything.
I hit rock bottom and was stuck in a rut, unable to muster the energy to meet friends or maintain a healthy relationship. Instead, I was dating multiple people to feel loved. I was worried about my overall health and finding a fulfilling job.
The fear of transformational change was too much to handle. This left me with two options; remain stuck or change. It was self-sabotage mode for a long time until I build a growth mindset.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Cry.
I would do nothing with it for 3 years until I have built a clear mind on how I would manage my lifestyle change. To be honest, I'm not sure how I would manage the change - friendships would be different, as would my business, home, and everything.
My goal will be sensible. To give back to the community whilst able to generate more wealth so means more can be given back. I care for grey people (overworked, overwhelmed, stuck and uninspired)
How do you switch off after a day at work?
I don't need to switch off from a day of work. This thinking is what causes people to overwork. They treat work as different from life. When we flip the switch to life balance, we factor in the switching off throughout the day. This means we are more focused, intentional, healthy, calm, clear-minded and energised.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
I wish more people bought into the services as it really makes a huge difference. There is too much concern about its effectiveness, although this is understandable as what can you compare it against? The results speak for themselves, but still, there is reluctance.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
Tony Robbins - all of his books and podcasts.
Mel Robbins - ideal for anyone with anxiety.
Listen to music by Lucy Spraggan as she speaks real-life lyrics that are empowering.
I also recommend reading Feel the Fear and do it Anyway, and I love TED talks and Success Talks by Tammy Whalen Blake
How should people connect with you?
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