Julia Becker Coaching

The smooth surface of the rock wall seemed impossible to scale. I looked around for another handhold but couldn’t find one within reach. My legs were shaking from fatigue. I called down to the guide “I can’t go any farther,” hoping he would release the tension on the rope and lower me down. Instead, he cheerfully responded, “You can do it!”

My kids had both already climbed to the top of this wall, and they quickly joined in the chorus of encouragement. There was no backing down now. I had to at least attempt to complete this climb. Step by step, inch by inch, I progressed. Sometimes I followed the guide’s advice for hand and foot placement, and other times I found my own way. Several more times I expressed my opinion that I couldn’t go any farther, and each time the guide calmly insisted that I could. On that June day, under the blazing Colorado sun I mastered the red rock and climbed all the way to the top!

Whether or not you have any interest in rock climbing, perhaps you have faced a goal or obstacle that has felt challenging if not impossible to master. Rock climbing is a challenge not unlike many of our goals and life obstacles, and there is much to be learned in the simplicity of this struggle.

Lessons from rock climbing:

1. Life doesn’t always give you “handholds.” Indoor rock-climbing facilities have created small man-made objects protruding from the rock walls. These are handholds designed for climbers to grab and step on during their climb. For outdoor climbs, nature creates these handholds. This makes the climb trickier, as nature doesn’t consider exactly where someone might need a handhold, or how big they may need it to be. When the path is not clearly mapped out, you must get creative and improvise. This feels uncertain, and uncertainty is scary. Success often means moving forward without clearly marked handholds on your path. Learning to trust yourself to identify available stepping stones and forge your own path will allow you to climb higher than you once thought possible.

2. Never underestimate the power of encouragement. Having my own personal cheering squad helped me keep going when I didn’t think I could go anymore. Encouragement also helped me persevere when I slipped and lost some of the progress I had made. Positive emotion is essential for goal achievement, and doing hard things often requires an extra dose of positive emotion.

3. The people around you will have a powerful impact on your goal achievement. When I said I didn’t think I could climb any further, my rock-climbing guide could have easily said “okay,” and lowered me back down. When we have people around us who support our quitting on goals, we are much more likely to quit. These well-meaning friends and family may think they are being supportive by simply affirming what you are telling them you want to do. However, maybe what you truly need is a push forward. Think about the people you have in your life. Do they allow you to do what is easy or comfortable, or do they push you to be the best version of yourself?

4. The feeling of accomplishment may be more important than the task itself. There was not a compelling need for me to reach the top of that cliff. I was simply out having an adventure with my family while on vacation, and there was no tangible reward for finishing the climb. However, the feeling of pride and accomplishment was certainly a reward! Students and professionals I work with are often surprised by how good they feel after accomplishing a simple task, even when that task is non-essential. This feeling of accomplishment can create a sense of pride and self-belief that creates momentum toward the next goal.

Are you feeling stuck or struggling in any area of your work? Your goals are important, and you don’t have to work on them alone. As a psychologist and executive coach, I help my clients understand what is holding them back and create meaningful change. Contact me to discuss how coaching can help you create the tools to climb higher toward your goals!

https://juliabeckercoaching.com

Students, get a head start on your spring semester goals!

After a challenging fall semester, many students will make resolutions to perform better in the spring semester. For such changes to occur, planning is essential! In my coaching practice, I help students create a path to success. I’m passionate about prevention and early intervention, which is why until December 19th I’m offering my Smart Start coaching program to students for half price. Lock in the price now and your student can use the sessions in the spring semester.

Early Bird pricing:

$350 for 4 individual sessions with Dr. Becker (45 minutes each)
Full payment due December 19th, 2024
Sessions expire February 28th, 2025
To reserve your spot please send an email to [email protected]


*Space is limited*

Relationship skills are key to success, which is why I include this in my coaching with college students. Although relationships may seem unrelated to academics, interpersonal skills are actually critical to both academic and future career success! Students become empowered to achieve their potential when they can communicate clearly with professors, resolve conflicts with roommates, set healthy boundaries in friendships, and choose connections that are fulfilling. Furthermore, interpersonal conflict can be so distressing that it takes valuable time and focus away from important goals. I provide holistic coaching to address the diverse needs of college students and equip them with the skills for success!
To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website:
https://juliabeckercoaching.com/

Final exams are almost here! The mood may be somber, yet jovial as everyone prepares for a long break after studying. Students ask each other “Are you ready?” The truth is that nobody feels fully ready. During this time of preparation, avoid thinking about what you “should” have done differently, how many hours you “should” have spent studying, or how much better your classmates may perform. There will be time for self-reflection after finals, and a chance to make changes to be better prepared next semester. For now, focus on staying calm and doing your best.

I would love to help you build a plan to perform better next semester. To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website:
https://juliabeckercoaching.com/

Students sometimes ask, “Do I need coaching?” Unlike counseling, with coaching there is no need to wait until problems become severe enough or a diagnosis warrants treatment. Imagine being an athlete in an elite sport, wanting to do your very best and reach your highest goals. Instead of asking “Do I need coaching” you might ask “How can a coach help me reach my full potential?”

Instead, college is the elite sport, and it is not a game. Students want to do their best, reach their potential, and be prepared to launch a career and live independently after college. These four years are crucial to developing skills for success. Key skills that I address with students during coaching include interpersonal functioning, time management, resilience, and stress management.

To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website:
https://juliabeckercoaching.com/

Do you ever look at your to-do list at the end of the day and feel frustrated that you didn’t accomplish most of it? Many college students feel the same way! Students want to get their homework and studying completed, but there are many reasons why they struggle to be productive. I understand that those reasons are more complex than simple laziness or forgetfulness.

Through coaching, I help students build habits of productivity so they can stress less and enjoy college success! To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website:

https://juliabeckercoaching.com/

Many college students I work with admit that they look at their phone every 3-5 minutes while studying. Unfortunately, it can take almost that long to regain focus after just a quick peek at the phone. It’s easy for parents to say, “Don’t look at your phone—put it away!” For students, it may not be so simple. Fear of missing out on social opportunities and dependence on electronic apps keep many students closely tied to their devices.
Through coaching, I help students develop tools to break patterns of distraction and low productivity. To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website:
https://juliabeckercoaching.com/

Recently I’ve been getting a lot of calls from students wanting ADHD testing. Students are panicking because they’re struggling to focus or not doing as well as they expected academically. ADHD is easy to blame for poor focus, but there are many other reasons why students may experience either short-term or chronic poor focus.

As a psychologist and success coach, I understand that focus difficulties don’t have just one cause, and I take a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the root causes. Coaching with me begins with an in-depth assessment of skills and needs. To contact me or learn more about my services, please visit my website: https://juliabeckercoaching.com

Are video games good or bad? This is a common question I get asked in my coaching practice. If you're maintaining all the important parts of your life, go ahead and enjoy some video games! Not sure if your video game playing is excessive? Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation!

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