Practitioner spotlight: Spiros

We recently sat down with Spiros, our fantastic MYNDUP practitioner - Life Coach, Meditation and Mindfulness Expert - where he shared his journey into coaching, the advice he’d give to his younger self and also the proven mental health tip he’s desperate to share with others.

How did you get into Coaching?

Before I became a coach I was a software developer and although I loved it, during my 20s there came a time when I could no longer see any meaning or purpose in my life. I was feeling stuck and unmotivated whilst my life was slipping away from me and pulling me to a downward spiral.

A few years later my son was born and that’s when I really had the motivation to change my life. I developed an eagerness to become a role model for my son and to be the person who goes after his dreams regardless of the challenges.

After working on my limiting beliefs, through meditation, coaching and therapy, I decided to study life coaching, just for continued personal development and not a career. I loved what I was learning about myself, my social interactions, and how my mind was keeping me inside my comfort zone. I changed so many aspects of myself for the better during my studies, and it felt like I was finding my purpose in life again, and the motivation I’d lost.

That’s when I thought, why not help other people achieve the same as I did? The excitement and possibility of becoming a coach kept me awake at night, until one day I explored it further :)

What do you specialise in?

I love to work with mindsets, as it's often not the situation that affects us but the way we perceive it. More specifically, I help people to become aware of the thoughts and feelings that hold them back in their life. After becoming aware of them, I support them to change and make meaningful connections with others and themselves, using tools from Transactional Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and various philosophies, like Stoicism, Epicurean, Existentialism and Eastern.

Can you share your MYNDUP story with us?

I first joined MYNDUP almost 2 years ago and was one of the first practitioners on the platform. I still remember the initial conversation I had with Joel on the phone. He was so passionate about providing mental health coaching to people, and I was hooked on the impact he wanted to make in the world.

What’s one proven mental health tip or technique you’ve discovered and would share with others?

The most valuable and proven mental health tip I’ve discovered is connection. It took me many decades to understand its value, but when we truly connect with others, and our true selves, our exposure to suffering alleviates.

What’s the biggest problem you see people faced with in the mental health industry?

The most important thing to me has always been the deep and meaningful connections we create with people when we communicate. But I fear, with Practitioners, that qualifications have become more valuable than that connection, and the ability to truly help change lives. After all, people are in need of someone who will actually listen to them. They’re not in need of a piece of paper that proves practitioners have the requirements to listen.

What have been the most important lessons you’ve learned in your life?

When you want to do something, do it! Life still happens when you don’t and the inspiration of the moment is gone. Sooner or later, we are filled with regrets. Years pass faster than we believe they do.

Tell us the most inspiring quote, book or movie you’ve read or seen.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl

What new belief or habit most changed your life in the last three years?

My life changed when I realised that life is a play, and we are the actors. We are the ones who transform the play into a comedy or a tragedy.

When you temporarily lose your focus or motivation, what do you do to bring your attention back?

I remember my values. Values are personal and different to each of us. For me personally, I stay connected with the person and role model I want to be for my son.

What’s the most meaningful impact you’ve made to someone’s life?

For many years, I was volunteering with the elderly, providing hand massages, meditation and yoga sessions. I still remember the spark in their eyes through our deep connection. Unfortunately, the elderly often feel neglected and isolated and I’m so proud that I had the opportunity to share my time with those people, to see how their life forged a forgotten meaning through our sessions.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d tell your younger self?

Don't believe what your mind tells you about what others may think!