Today’s quote is:

“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.” (Marie Curie)

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, as we honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, let’s take a moment to reflect on the profound wisdom encapsulated in their words. You may have been noticing a slight change in the images with each quote this week as they have each shown the authors of each quote. In celebration of Women’s History Month, each daily quote has been carefully chosen from historical women who have left an indelible mark on the world in their own way.

Today’s quote, as with all the other quotes this week, these words hold a timeless truth that transcends gender and speaks to the universal human experience of progress and aspiration.

In the apparent fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to become consumed by the constant pursuit of goals and objectives. We may find ourselves relentlessly pushing forward, always looking to the next task or challenge, without pausing to acknowledge the milestones we’ve already achieved. Yet, as Marie Curie reminds us, our focus tends to gravitate towards what remains to be done, rather than what has already been accomplished.

This tendency to overlook our past accomplishments can lead to a distorted perception of our progress. We may underestimate our abilities, feeling as though we’re still at the beginning of our journey, when in reality, we’ve come much further than we realise. By failing to recognise our achievements, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to celebrate our successes and cultivate a sense of fulfillment. It can also hold us back because we just dont take steps we feel are more appropriate with more experience etc.

Moreover, the relentless pursuit of future goals can result in a perpetual state of striving and dissatisfaction. We may become so fixated on what lies ahead that we lose sight of the present moment and the opportunities it holds. However, by shifting our perspective and embracing the journey itself, we can find meaning and purpose in each step forward, no matter how small.

So often it’s that noticing that can make the difference – sometimes it can be noticing that a change has already happened and slipped by us, other times it can be noticing a behavior or habit in thinking earlier and earlier so you can have the option to choose to stop that in that moment earlier. It may not seem that way at the time but I think that once that awareness has begun to develop then often awareness and momentum does the rest.

Noticing in my coaching

In my coaching practice, I’ve embraced the role of a guide. I perceive myself as a facilitator who illuminates the path by pointing out key observations and prompting clients with questions like, ‘Have you noticed this?’ My aim is to shed light on both the subtle nuances and the significant patterns that influence their experiences and decisions, effectively turning the unseen into the seen.

Sometimes, what I point out may seem like a minor detail, relevant only to a specific project or task at hand. Other times, it’s a deeper observation about how we humans work that can have far-reaching implications for how my clients perceive themselves and navigate their lives.

By serving as a guide in this way, I aim to create moments of awareness and insight that empower my clients to make more informed choices and take meaningful action. Whether it’s noticing an innocent missunderstanding or thinking that’s holding them back or recognizing a small but significant win, these moments of noticing can spark profound shifts in perspective and behavior.

Ultimately, my goal as a guide is to help clients develop a heightened sense of awareness and agency in their lives. By encouraging them to pay attention to what’s happening within and around them, I empower them to embrace their potential for growth, resilience, and fulfillment.

In conclusion, Marie Curie’s timeless words remind us of the power of noticing in our journey of personal and professional growth. By acknowledging our accomplishments, embracing the journey, and cultivating gratitude for the opportunities ahead, we open ourselves to the transformative potential of noticing. On this International Women’s Day and throughout Women’s History Month, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future through the act of noticing

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.