PSG Legacy Articles: Shine the Light on Coaching

“If the coach and the coachee are travelling companions, then the coach’s questioning and listening are the quality of light by which they travel.”

                                                                                                            – Julie Starr

Autumn has arrived and we begin to see its beautiful colours. Most of us are back from holidays, kids have commenced a new year at school, we start wrapping ourselves up in our cosy autumn-clothes.

Stop for a moment just to ask yourself  ‘How is my year going?’ ‘Am I closer to where I want to be?’ ‘What can I do even better for this last third of the year?’ Write down your answers.

We are all responsible for our own life and achievements. It is on us to face life’s challenges with positivity and willingness to learn and grow. However, walking this constant process of self-reflection and self-discovery does not have to be a lonely walk. We can get support from our loved ones, from mentors and from coaches. 

Coaching can help us clear the path for our own walk. It offers a space in which two human beings develop a trusting relationship that provides a different, brighter view of life.

Coaching shines the light on our personal journey. For this reason, this week we revisit for you this article from April 2015 called ‘Shine the Light on Coaching‘ to remind you of the benefits of having a Coach as a ‘travelling companion’. 

_____________                                    _______________                                  _______________

When have you last been truly and fully listened to? When have you last felt like you can open up completely knowing that you’ll be understood? When have you last experienced support that allows you to grow in your own chosen way and direction. It’s a kind of conversation when someone shows just enough empathy to give you this warm feeling inside – somebody understands! But at the same time you know that there is more. The questions that are being asked are there to encourage progress. You want to make progress. Sometimes the going gets tough but ultimately what matters most are the solutions and actions.

When have you last felt that the time you’ve spent with another human being was meaningful? Meaningful to you and your life. It’s a sense that the other person believes in you and doesn’t have to give you advice (this annoying “I know and I’ll tell you what’s best for you. I have an opinion and it must be heard! ” kind of thing…). You know what you want without anyone telling you what you should do / have to do.

Do you remember the feeling when your confidence grows? You have what it takes. It’s when someone challenges you because they know you can do better, be better and achieve more? They believe in you. Can you recall what it feels like to be trusted and taken seriously? When have you last felt seriously proud of yourself?

All you know, all you have been through, all your experiences and wisdom is valuable and important. You didn’t know you had wisdom? 🙂 Now you know! You know stuff and you are someone! Who exactly do you want to be? If you were to get super excited about tomorrow what would bring you the most excitement? What do you want out of life, since EVERYTHING is available? Seriously, everything! Everything is just a question of time.

Are you ready? Are you really prepared to live a new life and take responsibility for its shape? No more maybe, one day, me?, impossible! Just reality, your true self and potential that maybe, just may be beyond what you expect of yourself. Before you discover your true power, you’ll get support in the process of preparation. Because the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Until you understand how amazing you are, someone will be there for you and to remind you. But be prepared to work hard and commit to change. You’ll be the one to celebrate success so you must be the one to think, explore, stretch, design the path and walk it. What you must know at this point is that it will be a pleasure to walk that path because it’s full of surprises, new achievements and rewards. Is it a tempting vision…?

Are you ready then? ….

Ok, all I’m saying is find yourself a coach!

Invite the light. Isn’t Spring the right time for change? I don’t know any better time than now. With patience and belief, enter the coaching process, expand your thinking and explore your potential. Answer questions that are purposeful and challenging and that will take you exactly where you want to get… and beyond!

Images courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ – Idea go & Sura Nualpradid