Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ward
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I embarked on my formal coaching career in 2012 after graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, initially focusing on nutrition. From the outset, I felt a bit like an outlier, holding views on health and wellness that seemed ahead of their time.
Initially, I observed a recurring challenge: my clients would adhere to their health plans during our six-month sessions but often reverted to old habits afterward. This pattern was frustrating and mystifying, pushing me to search for a way to instigate lasting change.
The turning point came when I shifted the focus towards understanding the deeper “why” behind their actions. While this approach showed promise, it wasn’t the complete solution, as many clients eventually slipped back into old patterns. Determined to break this cycle, I delved deeper into the realms of mindset and behavioral change, eventually earning a Master of Science in Coaching and Applied Nutrition. This education broadened my understanding of behavior modification and learning styles.
My breakthrough came with the study of neuroplasticity, which reinforced the belief that anyone can rewire their brain and rewrite their narrative through consistent awareness and dedication. This understanding was vital, yet something was still amiss.
It was the deep dive into subconscious programming that truly transformed my approach. Research showed that from the third trimester in the womb until about age seven, we are predominantly in a theta brainwave state—highly receptive and impressionable. This phase is crucial as it sets the groundwork for either empowerment or limitations later in life.
With this newfound knowledge, I began to integrate brain science into my coaching, focusing on uncovering and addressing the subconscious beliefs formed during these formative years. This holistic approach not only enhanced my personal growth but significantly improved my ability to help clients achieve sustainable transformations. By identifying and reprogramming early subconscious imprints, we open the door to lasting behavioral change and true self-improvement.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, but each challenge has been a stepping stone towards greater understanding and effectiveness as a coach.
One of the most significant struggles was the initial realization that the traditional nutrition-focused approach I started with was insufficient for lasting change. This was both frustrating and disheartening, especially when seeing clients revert to old habits after making significant progress. It forced me to question and expand my own understanding of health and wellness, pushing me into realms I had never explored professionally.
Another major challenge was bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Learning about neuroplasticity and subconscious programming is one thing; applying these concepts effectively to help real people change their lives was another. It required not just study, but also a lot of trial and error, and refining techniques to suit individual needs.
Additionally, the personal journey of uncovering my own subconscious programming was both intense and introspective. It demanded a level of self-awareness and honesty that was at times uncomfortable. However, this personal transformation was crucial, as it not only enhanced my empathy and effectiveness as a coach but also solidified my belief in the methods I was developing.
These challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of a flexible, yet persistent approach to both personal growth and professional coaching. They have shaped my practice into what it is today—a blend of science, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve lasting change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My coaching practice centers around a deeply transformative approach to wellness that goes beyond the superficial layers of health and fitness. I specialize in subconscious reprogramming, specifically targeting the self-sabotaging behaviors that lead to outcomes inconsistent with my clients’ conscious goals and dreams.
The core of my clientele is women over 45—those who are overweight, struggle with low energy and poor sleep, and often find themselves at a crossroads post-empty nest. Many of these women sacrificed their careers and personal ambitions to focus on raising a family and, in the process, lost a sense of their own identity. They frequently believe it’s too late to reinvent themselves, regain their health, or find new purpose in life.
What sets my work apart is the deep understanding and practical application of how subconscious beliefs shape our behaviors and attitudes—especially those we are most eager to change. Through a process that involves identifying these hidden beliefs, bringing them to conscious awareness, and methodically working to transform them, I help my clients not just survive but truly thrive in all areas of their lives: mind, body, and spirit.
I am most proud of the fact that the techniques I teach are not theoretical—they are the same practices that transformed my own life. I once faced the same challenges my clients do: I was directionless, struggled with setting personal boundaries, and was both overfat and under-muscled. The transformation in my mind, body, and spirit is a testament to the effectiveness of my coaching methods.
This personal and professional evolution fuels my passion for helping others. My approach is not just about shedding pounds or gaining energy—it’s about redefining one’s entire existence and embracing a fuller, more vibrant life at any age.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the quintessential curious and creative spirit, always on the brink of the next adventure, pushing boundaries to see what I could get away with—though I often got caught in the act! My childhood was marked by a mix of calculated risks and a deep love for the arts. I could spend hours engrossed in my collection of records and tapes, a testament to my enduring passion for music.
In addition to music, I was captivated by the outdoors; catching bugs, dancing, and skating were regular pastimes that fueled my adventurous spirit. This blend of interests nurtured a creativity that later became a cornerstone of my professional life, allowing me to approach coaching with a unique and dynamic perspective.
Like many teenagers, I was acutely aware of peer perceptions and often found myself focusing on the qualities I felt I lacked but desired. This awareness of self and others, though challenging at times, helped me develop a deep empathy and understanding of human behavior—traits that are invaluable in my work today.
My journey from that curious, risk-taking child to the coach I am today reflects a path of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation—a narrative I now use to inspire and empower my clients.
Pricing:
- Freedom from Self Sabotage Coaching, 8 sessions ($2,249)
- Self Sabotage Coaching, 2 sessions ($1,699)
