Baku: In today's world, personal growth, inner balance, and conscious living are becoming increasingly relevant. People are no longer satisfied with simply following a daily routine; they want to build their lives with greater awareness and purpose. In an interview with AZERTAC, life coach and transformation specialist Aydan Shakh speaks about her journey into this field, the advantages of the Gestalt approach, the internal barriers that prevent people from achieving their goals, the challenges people face in relationships, and the psychological causes of burnout and energy loss. She also explains how personal development helps individuals discover their inner strength, overcome fears, and make more conscious decisions in life.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Aydan Shakh did not enter the field of life coaching by chance. It was a calling that had been growing within her for years, even though she could not initially name it. From childhood, Shakh had a strong ability to sense people beyond their words, understanding their inner conflicts, fears, and potential. Her empathy, combined with analytical thinking and leadership skills, initially led her to a career in the corporate sector in IT. Despite her professional role, people often approached her for guidance due to her human qualities, marking the beginning of her journey into coaching.
Shakh's turning point came during a conversation with her husband, where she expressed a desire to share her knowledge and experience with others. Encouraged by her husband, she pursued formal training and became a certified transformational Gestalt coach. The Gestalt approach, which focuses on a person's current resources and the present moment, resonated with Shakh and became integral to her practice.
The Gestalt approach helps individuals understand their current emotions and needs without getting stuck in the past. It reveals unfinished emotions and unexpressed needs, helping individuals move forward. Shakh identifies fear and limiting beliefs as major internal barriers that prevent people from achieving their goals. She emphasizes that transformation begins when individuals change these beliefs and see themselves as learners gaining experience.
Shakh also addresses the issue of energy loss, noting that it often stems from inner burnout rather than physical fatigue. She explains that living according to one's values and listening to one's needs can help restore energy. Misconceptions about personal transformation, such as the belief that it involves changing oneself or that it is always pleasant, are also common. Shakh clarifies that transformation is about remembering who you are and facing uncomfortable truths.
In her work, Shakh highlights the importance of self-awareness in building healthy relationships. She notes that past experiences, fears, and lack of self-awareness are interconnected factors that hinder relationship-building. She helps clients first build a connection with themselves, leading to more honest and authentic love.
Having worked with over 100 people, Shakh observes significant changes in how individuals relate to themselves. Clients learn to act from a place of desire rather than obligation, set boundaries, increase self-confidence, and make healthier relationship choices. Career and financial changes often follow, but the most important shift occurs in their sense of self-worth.
Currently, Shakh is inspired by a program aimed at helping people consciously build their career paths. The program targets individuals at different career stages and focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence and digital technologies as opportunities. Shakh plans to launch this program in a pilot format to adapt it to participants' needs before presenting it to a wider audience. Her goal is to help people maintain relevance in a changing world while staying true to themselves.