Man (Chris), reciepient of our Confidence coahcing, holding up The Brain Charity logo.

Chris’ Story: “Confidence coaching helped me combat my hesitation and anxiety.” 

Neurological conditions can present a range of challenges, impacting everything from memory and focus to confidence, emotional regulation and physical abilities.  

These challenges can lower self-confidence, making it harder to adapt, communicate, and stay independent. 

Chris Hawkins, a 3D artist diagnosed with ADHD, understands this firsthand and has struggled with hesitation. 

He said: “When I first arrived at The Brain Charity, I told them I’ve had issues with confidence when it comes to interviews, applying for work, and hesitation.  

I struggled with not putting applications in, even though I knew I was technically skilled enough for the positions.  

“I wouldn’t put the application in because I’d think maybe there’s something wrong, or maybe I won’t be able to do it, or maybe I’ll burn out.” 

Chris found our Value of You confidence coaching particularly helpful in understanding and managing his ADHD, a common challenge for many with neurological conditions. 

His story highlights the transformative power of helping people regain their confidence and fulfil their potential.  

He said: “The confidence coaching at The Brain Charity has been absolutely fantastic. Right from the start, it was a friendly and welcoming environment.  

The information was substantial but presented in such an accessible way. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and ease of understanding I gained.  

We covered so much, from mindset and negative patterns to the traps of negative thinking that so many of us fall into. 

The sessions on mindfulness were really helpful, and I learned practical strategies for building confidence through taking action. I particularly liked seeing my own thoughts, and the thoughts of others, written down.

It was a real eye-opener to realise just how many people share similar anxieties. It made me feel less alone in my struggles.” 

Chris was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago but has struggled for most of his life even before he understood why. 

He had always done well academically at school, but found keeping up with homework, deadlines and meetings ‘a constant battle’.

In his first college, missing deadlines and assignments—despite performing well in exams—eventually led to his expulsion.

Chris said: “I was known for being scatterbrained, always forgetting important things, and missing scheduled meetings.

Teachers and peers often saw it as carelessness or laziness, but in reality, I was trying my best to keep up. 

I still wonder how different things could have been if I had received the right support earlier. Looking back, I wish I had been diagnosed with ADHD in high school.

Beyond the academic benefits, having a diagnosis earlier would have meant people saw my struggles for what they were, rather than assuming I was lazy or unmotivated. 

It’s frustrating to think about what could have been, but I also recognise that I can use my experiences to advocate for better support systems for students like me.

ADHD isn’t a lack of effort—it’s a different way of thinking, and the right understanding and resources can make all the difference.

Chris said The Brain Charity’s confidence coaching helped him see the broader picture of his condition and the bigger picture of how ADHD can lead to patterns.

He found it helped him make sense of his condition and thought patterns – as well as giving him the confidence boost to put in applications for jobs.

He added: “Hearing ways to recognise patterns and act on them so I don’t freeze up or hesitate has been very helpful.

Seeing it all laid out like that, it just clicked. I’m actually looking forward to starting the second stage of the coaching soon, which will focus on setting healthy boundaries.” 

Chris has now taken significant steps towards his career aspirations.

After two recent job offers, he decided to take up a position at the Civil Service’s Liverpool office. This was after doing a Civil Service bootcamp course at Liverpool Hope University.  

He added: “Before the coaching, joining the civil service was just a distant dream. Now, it’s a reality.  

I genuinely believe the confidence coaching helped me combat the hesitation and anxiety that always held me back before. It gave me the courage to even apply.  

I know the bootcamp played a big part in getting the job offer. But I wouldn’t have even considered the boot camp if it hadn’t been for the boost from the coaching.  

The Brain Charity’s support didn’t stop there, either. They were still there for me during the bootcamp, which I really appreciated. 

The coaching hasn’t just helped me get a job; it’s motivated me to build a long-term career and aim for bigger things. I feel like I have the tools now to keep moving forward.” 

Category: Employment

Published: 13 February 2025

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