Helping overthinkers move from analysis to action...
...in a space that is calm, relaxed and focused entirely on you.
From overthinking expert to helping overthinkers
For the last 18 years I have worked as a Human Factors (HF) Consultant, which primarily involves analysing how people interact with systems, identifying risks, and recommending solutions to manage those risks. I am professionally trained to to identify issues and analyse them in detail.​ Sounds perfect for an overthinker, right? It is. Maybe a bit too perfect.
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I love consultancy work when clients truly value HF insights, but I also experience the frustration of projects where HF is just a 'tick box' exercise, where all the analysis goes to waste.
I have had a varied and fulfilling consultancy career. At the back end of 2019 I was confronted with the big career question of what next? All the signs were pointing towards self-employment, which had been a long-time ambition of mine, and I knew it was a now or never moment. No regrets and all that.
And then my overthinking mind kicked into gear:
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"What if I fail? What if I can't make it work financially? What if I regret leaving salaried employment? What if this is a massive mistake?"
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And I spent months stuck in analysis mode, doing what I've been professionally trained to do. I was trying to think my way to certainty that would never come. I eventually realised I couldn't analyse my way to certainty and that I had to move forward regardless. So I did. I made the leap to self-employment, overthinking, uncertainty and all.
More of my story...
I started my self-employed journey at the start of 2000 and founded GU6ix later that year. My first year as a solo HF professional was energising. I was thriving, confident, and full of momentum. ​But the following year, something shifted.
"Suddenly, I was overthinking everything, even my ability to do the job I'd done for 16 years"
Self-doubt crept in. I began to feel disconnected from my work and overwhelmed by the sense that something was missing. Eventually, I realised I couldn't figure it out alone and that's when I turned to coaching.
"Coaching helped me find what was missing"
Through coaching I re-discovered my values and uncovered a deeper truth: the part of my work that had always brought me the most joy was supporting others' growth. That had been the part of my previous role that made my heart smile.
So I trained with Barefoot Coaching and qualified as a personal and business coach. Now, alongside my HF work, I offer coaching that helps others reconnect with their values, and make meaningful life and career moves even, despite overthinking it all.
"I'm still a work in progress; who isn't?"
I've realised that coaching isn't about changing who you are. It's about embracing your whole self - strengths, quirks and all. It's about noticing the inner chatter and learning to determine when it's both helpful and unhelpful and to respond with kindness and courage. Discovering Acceptance and Commitment Coaching (ACC) changed everything for me, and has led to a healthier, happier, and more harmonious heart and mind. And that's what I offer to others through GU6ix.
Get to know me...
I would highly recommend the GU6ix coaching process to anyone looking for insight and progress in their own work journey, and can't think of anyone better than Shona to help you on this journey!
ALICE, SELF-EMPLOYED BUSINESS OWNER