“Even though we’re working towards the same divine purpose, our destinies or callings are very unique. In my belief the only way to experience true fulfillment is to walk in this and that’s why I feel I have the best job in the world. Not only do I have a front-row seat to see people’s journeys and destinies unfold, but I get to learn and grow through their experiences as well. It’s a pretty sweet deal.”
Called on to work with people from all walks of life, Dirk Swart is just who you call when you’re looking for professional advice on life and relationships. “I believe I am called to help people gain clarity on their life purpose and to empower them to walk in it as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
Dirk explains that professional coaching is all about empowering people to design and execute a life that they love to live and that there are two main approaches to coaching.
“Coaching for development and coaching for performance. In developmental coaching we help people gain clarity on the purpose of their lives and everything in it. In the process we build a rock solid identity and mindset. Performance coaching equips clients with proven tools, techniques and strategies to be more effective and efficient.”
With 15 years of experience in coaching, Dirk’s life course wasn’t always heading in this direction as he describes he was divinely prompted to change his plans. “I completed my Honours degree in Psychology in 2007 and I had every intention to become a psychologist. However, one morning in that same year, I felt God say: “Your psychology studies will come in very handy, but my plan for you is not to study further and become a psychologist.” At that time I had no idea that an industry like life coaching existed or that it would become this mainstream, and the timing was just perfect. I was introduced to professional coaching by my uncle who started his coaching career at Campus Crusade and I then did my first certification in 2008 and have been coaching ever since.”
Dirk explains that he loves meeting new people and often seeing long, sad, anxious, confused faces light up as they find relief, new hope and excitement through the coaching process. “Above that I love to help people gain a true perspective on God and the universe He created. God destined us to be in an intimate relationship with Him and to reign with Him on this earth so helping people to do exactly that is the best part of the job.”
As his journey is ongoing, Dirk’s next big step is finishing his book. “I’m writing a book on the importance and the ‘how to’s’ of cultivating and enjoying more fulfilling relationships with God, ourselves and the people in our lives. Especially in this era where it’s under attack and one of the leading causes of the mental health pandemic that we currently find ourselves in.”
He also hopes to expand by building an online business as this will allow him to serve more people. “I am very thankful that I have a fully booked practice, but the lack of available hours to take in more people is a constant frustration. So, the idea is to build an online shop where people will be able to find the content that will serve them and their specific needs best.”
“Scheduling your rest and the things that make you come alive is crucial. Moms can very quickly serve everyone around them at the cost of their own needs. So, be sure to book your “me-time”, whether it be reading, painting, a walk in nature, or a glass of wine in the bath.”
With Mother’s Day approaching the month is focused on mothers. Dirk advised moms to remember the importance of scheduling their lives before they schedule their duties.
“If you don’t plan or design a day or week before it happens, you will live your life on other people’s terms and this includes your children. They are supposed to adapt to you, not the other way around. Moms often sell themselves on the idea that it is noble to centre their lives on their children. Children are obviously a massive priority and will take up a lot, if not the majority of your time, especially for a season. But not every single thing should revolve around them. It’s not healthy and one of the most trusted ways to raise very entitled adults.”
The first step to designing a good week on the calendar, according to Dirk, is to schedule everything that you want to do before you schedule everything you must do.
“This is completely counterintuitive but extremely important. The quickest way to overwhelm yourself and get stuck in the rat race or the world’s “hustle mentality” is to schedule those first. What happens more often than not is that there’s no time left for the things that really matter to you. When you schedule the items that make you enjoy life first, you somehow get around to doing everything you have to do as well. You will even notice that you are more focused and efficient on your ‘have to’s’ as you are mentally aware that there is less time available for them.”
Secondly he advises scheduling according to the things you most value. “Time with God, a date night with your spouse, playtime with your children, involvement in your church, or a braai with family and friends. I hear too many people say they have a priority list order like God, husband, children, work and then see them arrange their entire lives around work.”
When it comes to something like nutrition and exercise, he suggests going to see a good nutritionist. “Nutrition is one of those areas I’ve noticed that people don’t know what they don’t know as it is different for everyone. The reason for all the confusion about what really is the best diet or protocol, is the fact that our bodies respond differently. A professional can help you to tailor things to your specific needs while bringing in good accountability.”
When it comes to exercise, he says consistency is key. “Aim for consistency rather than the amount of time. Doing 10 minutes every day is much better than doing three hours once a week and it is also much more doable in a very busy schedule as well. So, make it small on purpose and only once you become very consistent and cultivated a solid habit, ramp up the intensity and/or time gradually. That’s what I refer to as ‘The Habit Strategy’.”
In his experience of working with women, he says he has noted that quality time is most important. “I think the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day is with your physical presence and your undivided attention. So, make the trip, take a break from work and your phone, and show your mom that you prioritise her above everything. Anything that communicates your affection is a great extra. Whether it be your words, gifts, a spa day, or maybe just a break from everything she would normally take on herself, like cooking the meal.”
Text: BONOLO MOLOI Photography: GYPSEENIA LION
