Tanya Mittal is an ICF certified level 2 life coach. Currently, she is collaborating with two other talented and capable life coaches to build a transformative platform focused on supporting individuals with their relationship challenges, be it with others or with themselves.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your professional journey/venture/initiative and what inspired you to choose this career.
I hail from a nurturing joint family where love was abundantly present throughout my upbringing. Life seemed to unfold smoothly, and my unwavering faith in a Supreme Power gave me the conviction that everything happened for a reason, even when situations appeared less than ideal. After completing my graduation and post-graduation in Statistics from Delhi University, I was elated to secure the highest campus placement offer, and I believed I was on the right career path. However, life had a more profound purpose waiting for me to discover. As I ventured into a corporate job, it marked the first time I lived away from my family and loved ones. Little did I know that this transition would become a turning point in my life. The stress and demands of the job took a toll on my physical and mental health, leading me to a profound realization about the significance of our thoughts, actions, and emotions on our overall well-being. This awakening sparked a deep affection for mindful living, where I carefully considered the impact of each decision I made on my own well-being. I chose to live authentically, guided by what truly resonated with me rather than conforming to societal norms. This transformative journey introduced me to the world of life coaching. Motivated by a genuine desire to help people rediscover their purest selves, I made the heartfelt decision to become a life coach. My purpose is to empower individuals to embrace mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness in their lives. I believe that by understanding the profound connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we can foster positive transformations and create a life aligned with our deepest values.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
Yes, there was a turning point in my life that literally shook me awake, prompting me to approach all my decisions with mindfulness. This moment occurred when I decided to take up a corporate job after completing my post-graduation. Stress, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnection started to affect me, leading me to question why I was doing what I was doing. During this challenging period, as my health seemed to be deteriorating with each passing day, I embarked on a journey of introspection, self-reflection, and exploration. It was during this time that I discovered the bliss and deep groundedness that comes with holistic mindful living. I became acutely aware of the power of self-awareness and the impact that our thoughts, actions, and emotions have on our overall well-Discovering my passion for mindful living, I made the life-altering decision to embrace a different path—one that would enable me to align my actions with my true values and purpose.
Tell us about your goals, interests, and role models.
My primary goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals through coaching. I am deeply committed to help people experience mindful living, cultivate self-connection and lead a fulfilling life aligned with their values and passions. I also aspire to keep upskilling and improving myself as a coach and a human being. Ultimately, my goal is to become a trusted and influential figure in this space. My interests lie in healthy living, yoga, meditation, journalling and psychology. Although there are many people from whom I draw inspiration, one person I learn a lot from is India’s biggest lifestyle medicine expert, Luke Coutinho. His teachings emphasize the importance of paying attention to every tiny aspect of life while promoting the idea of balance. His wisdom, calmness, practicality, and ability to find simplicity in everything have taught me a great deal.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
One of my biggest learnings from the entrepreneurial journey is that it revolves around continuously finding solutions to challenges. At every step, new challenges are bound to show up, and the key lies in how we address them. One of my most significant coping mechanisms is reflecting on past challenges and recalling how they have been overcome, even when they seemed insurmountable at the time. This practice helps reinforce my belief in my ability to navigate through the obstacles that come my way. Another vital factor that keeps me going is the realisation that entrepreneurship is a long-term game, and instant gratification is not the ideal pursuit. This understanding helps me stay patient and focused on the bigger picture.
What impact do you feel you have been able to create with your work so far and how would you want to grow in the next few years?
I feel that I am just starting, and I don’t consider that I have yet significantly changed lives. However, I envision myself making a meaningful impact through coaching and Eastern values on a global level.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
It was at the start of the pandemic that I quit my corporate job. For me it was a period of major transition and big decisions. I decided to take my life really slow for sometime and I just explored myself. I worked in an NGO which unveiled my interest in serving people. I also travelled and socialised with a lot of new people which exposed me to a lot different perspectives on life. I discovered who I truly am and just embraced it hard.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I still don’t feel like I have achieved much on the new career path that I have chosen. However, I am certain that many achievements are coming in the near future.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I envision a world where spirituality is profound, and people are deeply connected to their inner selves as well as to the supreme divine power. There is a shift from ignorance to enlightenment. In this world, there are less social comparisons and more respect for what they have been blessed with. I would love to see a major shift in the world towards ancient Indian ways of living and thinking.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important thing I have learned is the immense power of the mind. Our possibilities are determined by our minds alone. It is all about how the power is harnessed by us. Each thought we harbour influences our actions, behaviours, personality, energy, and even our overall health. My personal motto in life is to prioritise my psychological well-being always. I try to continuously be aware of how everything I experience affects my mind, and make conscious choices accordingly. Understanding the impact of our thoughts and emotions empowers us to create a life of purpose, fulfilment, and joy.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
With more and more women taking the forefront in the professional world, there is a significant increase in innovation and creativity, making lives much easier worldwide. Women bring with them a structured, balanced, and empathetic approach to leadership. Women in leadership positions are changing the game for organisations. Personally, I believe that if more women are taught coaching skills, they can bring about massive changes in companies’ productivity as well as the well-being of their employees.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Never doubt your capabilities. There is an inner saboteur present inside all of us whose job is to tell us that we are less than the people around us. Don’t fall for it. Just embark on the journey to pursue what your heart desires, and the doors that are right for you will present themselves to you. Sky’s the limit. Aim for it.
