One of the things I often tell someone before I have a coaching session with them is that I believe that change can happen in an instance. This is particularly true if we have not worked together before.

One of the reasons I tell them that is because often they have completed some form of preparation questions prior to our conversation. I go on to explain that if I ask a similar questions it’s not because I don’t believe or haven’t read their answer, it’s because I don’t want to presume that they are in the same place now as they were when they first answered.

If I do ask a similar question I want their attention to be on the question that I asked and their answer at that moment – I do not want them being distracted by any thoughts such as “What does it mean that I’ve already answered that question?” or “Did I not get it right the first time?”

It’s interesting to see/hear people’s reactions when I tell them I have that belief about change. Some obviously believe that change can happen instantly and others are more sceptical. They perhaps believe that in general but in their particular instance they think change must be difficult.

Does change always happen in an instance? No, an obvious example is that whilst some people do win the lottery the most common approach to increasing your figure in a bank account is over time through different actions.

Notice that I don’t say always the wording I use is change can happen in an instance.

Particularly when it comes to a change in perception about something that just takes a new thought – A way of seeing something from a new angle, or hearing it in a new way. And that really can happen in an instance.

Often when it is fear that is getting in our way a change in perception can make a huge difference.

For example, imagine that you are alone in a dark room and are apprehensive because you can see an unknown persons shadow in the corner of the room. Only when you switch the light on and you find out what you thought was a person is just a long coat hung up.

I started this post by giving one of the reasons I share my belief about how change can happen in an instance, particularly if we haven’t yet worked together much. The one I mention is actually not the only main reason that I often include that comment. I invite you to consider other benefits of including such a statement for yourself 😉