This week on the Full Circle Podcast I am joined by Tom Cowdale whose life experiences – from living with a hearing impairment to conquering Ironman Triathlons – have shaped his profound understanding of overcoming barriers and embracing challenges. Tom joins me to share his personal journey of transformation, from feeling sidelined to becoming a champion of mind-body resilience. Discover how one small gesture of support ignited a lifelong pursuit of health and wellbeing, leading Tom from the rugby sidelines to the global stage of athletic achievement. Tom's story reminds us that offering a helping hand can truly change lives, and his dedication to empowering others is evident in his coaching practice. Through a holistic approach that nurtures the mind-body connection, Tom guides individuals on their path to realising their true potential and achieving their dreams. Don't miss this uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace challenges, support others, and pursue a life of wellbeing. Quotes “Your movement is a reflection of what's going on inside you. How you have shown up for that day, your behaviour, your emotional state, your belief system.” - 18:18 “I have always had a bit of self-doubt around myself. About where I am and what I can do. And I kind of thought, well, what if I can do an Ironman? That's going to make me feel a certain way. I'll feel good enough after it. I’ll feel like I've really accomplished something.” -27:02 “I try and see the actual Ironman itself as a celebration of the year of the training.” - 28:53 “If you're doing things that appear like self-compassion, you know, ‘I’m not going to train today. I'm going to be kind to myself’, and you do it every day - in the end, you're not actually being that compassionate to yourself.” - 39:18 Time stamps 00:00 – An introduction to Tom00:51 – Tom’s professional journey 05:00 – Growing up with a hearing impairment 06:42 – Tom’s turning point with his rugby coach10:53 – Playing for England Deaf Rugby13:35 – Chronic Pain and JEMS 24:00 – Tom’s journey to Ironman 27:09 – Self-doubt and motivation for Ironman29:35 – The importance of having a good support structure 30:57 – The significance of sport in Tom’s life now31:53 – Exercise and emotional wellbeing32:49 – Tom’s coaching and the physical/psychological connection38:30 – Tom’s lessons about self-compassion39:18 – Tom’s tips for starting your movement journey 43:11 – How to contact Tom43:38 – Gillian’s closing thoughts Tom’s Socialshttp://onformhighperformance.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/onformhighperformancecoaching/ Gillian's Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/the.master.coach/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-mcmichael/https://www.facebook.com/GillianMcMichaelMasterCoach https://www.gillianmcmichael.comFull Circle Global Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/fullcircleglobal/https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-circle-development-consultancy/https://www.facebook.com/fullcircleglobal/https://fullcircleglobal.comOrder my book, “Coming Home: A Guide To Being Your True Self”Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Home-Guide-Being-Your/dp/1784529702Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coming-Home-A-Guide-to-Being-Your-True-Self-Paperback-9781784529703/928206895 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coming-home-gillian-mcmichael/1141304045 WHSmith: https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/coming-home-a-guide-to-being-your-true-self/gillian-mcmichael/paperback/9781784529703.html