Monthly Archives: February 2024

Navigating the Uphill Climb with Resilience: The Wisdom of William Shakespeare for Coaches

21 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / expectations / quote / resilience / shakespeare

This background is in an animated style. A winding path and steps curves round one green hill and continues on up the slope of another hill behind leading up to the top. The text reads "To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first." (William Shakespeare)

Today’s quote is:

“To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first.” (William Shakespeare)

As coaches, we often find ourselves guiding our clients through treacherous terrains and daunting obstacles. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of patience, persistence, and strategic pacing in our coaching practice.

Building Momentum

Sometimes getting started can seem the hardest part and it just takes a bit of time for momentum to take over. Depending upon what this is being applied to sometimes it takes a moment for a new habit to be formed. A slow gradual increase to build momentum may also be needed to avoid overwhelm and to build the path of progress.

Managing Expectations with Compassion

At times, progress may seem slower than anticipated. It’s crucial to approach this with understanding and empathy. As coaches, our role is to provide unwavering support, reminding our clients that growth requires time. We help them see setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, fostering resilience and perseverance.

Discussing Expectations:

It’s worth discussing the perceived timeline of achieving something. This is often a self-created notion accompanied by judgmental thoughts. A candid conversation can shed light on these unacknowledged expectations, helping to understand their unrealistic nature while recognizing the progress made.

Promoting Patience and Resilience

Patience and resilience are indispensable qualities on the journey towards success. Through coaching conversations and reflective exercises, we can help our clients cultivate these qualities within themselves. By celebrating small victories and acknowledging the effort invested, we reinforce the importance of patience and resilience in achieving long-term goals.

Navigating the Urge to Rush

In a world that glorifies instant gratification, it’s common for clients to want to rush the process. However, as coaches, it’s our responsibility to remind them of the wisdom in Shakespeare’s words. Rushing through challenges often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. By encouraging clients to embrace the journey, to savor each step of the process, we help them build a solid foundation for momentum to take over.

Exploring Deeper Questions

Beyond the surface, Shakespeare’s quote prompts us to explore deeper questions about coaching and life. What other challenges do our clients face that require a slow and steady approach? How can we apply the principles of pacing and patience in our own lives as coaches? These questions invite introspection and self-discovery, enriching our coaching practice and fostering personal growth.

As we navigate the uphill climb alongside our clients, let us embody the wisdom of William Shakespeare. Let us embrace the journey, one step at a time, knowing that with patience, persistence, and unwavering determination, we will reach the summit of success.

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.

Navigating Self-Doubt: Guiding Clients to Unleash Their Potential

20 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / comfort zone / quote / Thought / Vincent Van Gogh

The background is done in the style of a Vincent Van Gogh oil painting of a sky. This means there are swirling blues, yellows and touchings of white representing a nights sky. A semi-transparent grey rectangle, with rounded corners sits over the middle. The black text on that reads: "If you hear a voice within you saying, "You are not a painter," then by all means paint, boy, and that voice will be silenced, " (Vincent Van Gogh)

The quote for today is:

“If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘You are not a painter,’ then by all means paint, boy, and that voice will be silenced.” (Vincent Van Gogh)

In the realm of coaching, Vincent Van Gogh’s words shared in a 1883 letter points towards lsitening to your own inner wisdom as well as that voice of self doubt. A journey many clients embark upon, with the guidance of their coaches.

As coaches, we often encounter individuals whose aspirations are stifled by their own insecurities and fears. Our role is not merely to offer solutions but to facilitate a transformative journey towardself-discovery and empowerment. In light of this, let’s delve into the questions raised:

How do you encourage your clients to step outside of their comfort zone?

Let me take a moment to discus comfort zones. The most common way I’ve come across the use of comfort zones is when discussing learning. Visualize three concentric circles stacked on top of each other. The innermost circle represents the comfort zone, where individuals feel at ease and familiar with a particular skill or situation. It is typically associated with minimal pressure and stress levels. The next circle, labeled stretch/learning, signifies the area where individuals are pushing the boundaries of their perceived or actual abilities, venturing into new territories. This can generate a mix of excitement, discomfort, and mild anxiety. Finally, the outermost circle is often referred to as panic or overwhelm, which is not conducive to effective learning.

Encouraging clients to step outside their comfort zones is a delicate yet essential aspect of coaching. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore new possibilities and challenge self-imposed limitations. Techniques such as reframing limiting beliefs, setting achievable goals, and celebrating progress can help instill confidence and motivate clients to embrace unfamiliar territory.

When I first started coaching, my approach focused on expanding comfort zones and encouraging clients to step into the stretch/learning zone. This approach remains relevant and is still an option to explore in any coaching situation. However, I’ve also come to recognize the power of understanding that we live in the feeling of our thinking. Exploring the energy of thought and how our experience is directly linked to it has become an integral aspect of my coaching practice. Recognizing that our thinking can sometimes be an unreliable indicator of actual reality enables clients to naturally see through and question the illusions created by their thoughts, using the feeling as an indication of when they have drifted off track.

As I continue to evolve as a coach, I’ve found that incorporating this understanding into my practice has profound implications. It allows me to guide clients in exploring thinking and understanding the impact they have on their emotions and actions. By recognizing that our feelings are a reflection of our thinking in the moment, clients can gain a newfound awareness that empowers them to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience. Instead of being consumed by doubt or fear, they can observe their thoughts with curiosity and compassion, knowing that they hold the key to unlocking their potential.

This shift in perspective fosters a deeper level of self-awareness and self-trust, enabling clients to tap into their innate wisdom and make choices aligned with their values and aspirations. Ultimately, it’s about guiding clients to access their inner guidance system, where intuition and insight pave the way forward. By cultivating this awareness of the interconnectedness of thought, feeling, and action, coaching becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

How does that relate to comfort zones? Well sometimes all it takes is a new thought and that comfort zone expands naturally. Skills can still be developed and learning take place but it doesn’t always have to feel like hard work to push that edge of the circle out some more. I think that the experience that Van Gough is describing is that comfort zone expanding.

How do you motivate someone to pursue their passion despite their self-doubts?

In the quote Van Gogh talks about “a voice within you saying ‘you are not a painter'”, one label that could be put onto that is self-doubt. Motivating clients to pursue their passions in the face of self-doubt requires a combination of empathy, encouragement, and strategic guidance. By helping clients identify their core values, desires, strengths, and aspirations, coaches can inspire a sense of purpose and direction. Additionally, providing actionable strategies, accountability, and ongoing support can empower clients to overcome obstacles and stay focused on their goals.

Similarly to what I pointed to in the earlier section – those thoughts we often label self doubt can loose the power if we begin to see them not as an omnipitent judge but just as falible as any other thought that passes by.

Where do you start when working with a client who doesn’t believe in their own potential?

When working with clients who doubt their potential, it’s essential to establish a foundation of trust and rapport. Coaches can start by listening attentively to their clients’ concerns, validating their experiences, and acknowledging their strengths. From there, coaches can collaboratively identify areas for growth, set realistic expectations, and co-create a personalized action plan tailored to the client’s needs and aspirations. There’s the opportunity to explore who the client really is, to allow them to identify their own knowing, wisdom and creativity at a pace and speed that’s right for them.

In conclusion, the journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing one’s potential is a deeply personal and transformative process. As coaches, we have the privilege and responsibility to guide our clients through this journey with compassion, insight, and unwavering support. By cultivating a nurturing coaching relationship and empowering clients to believe in themselves, we can help them unleash their full potential and achieve their greatest aspirations. So, let’s heed Van Gogh’s timeless advice and encourage our clients to paint their own masterpiece, silencing the voice of doubt and embracing the brilliance within.

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.

The Power of Beginnings

19 February 2024 in quote tagged begining / momentum

The background is a warm yellow ombre, starting with an orangy yellow at the top progressing downwards to a lighter yellow. On a golden yellow table top sits a closed silver lap top. Ontop of that is an traditional alarm clock with a round analogue face and two bells on the top with a hammer in between. The time reads 8.01 The case of the clock, the clock numbering, the two hands and the bells are black. The clock face background is white and the feet, bell hammer and cloack handle are silver. Next to the clock, and still ontop of the closed laptop, are 5 wooden square tiles stood up so you can see the flat face of each tile. Each of these has a single capital letter on them, spelling out the word Start.
The text reads: "The beginning is the half of every action." (Greek proverb)

Today’s quote to begin the week is actually a proverb:

“The beginning is the half of every action,” (Greek proverb)

In the realm of coaching, beginnings hold a unique significance. They mark the inception of transformation, the genesis of growth, and the initiation of a journey towards self-discovery. As coaches, we are entrusted with the profound responsibility of guiding our clients through the pivotal act of commencement, where aspirations converge with action.

The essence of this proverb lies not merely in its brevity, but in its profound implications for our coaching practice. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power inherent in the act of initiation. For every action undertaken, whether personal or professional, the journey begins with that crucial first step. It is the moment when dreams are crystallized into tangible goals, and intentions are transmuted into action plans or identifying what the next step will be.

As coaches, we are often confronted with clients who stand at the precipice of change, teetering on the brink of uncertainty and possibility. In these moments, our role transcends that of mere facilitators; we become catalysts for transformation, guiding our clients through the labyrinth of self-discovery and empowerment. The proverb challenges us to embrace the potency of beginnings, to recognize that the seeds of greatness are sown in the fertile soil of new beginnings.

I suspect that there will be an element of your own personal coaching style and a sense of what each individual client will respond to when it comes to how you encourage a client to start. If a client appears to be struggling taking a first step, two things often occur to me – 1) Is this actually something they want? 2) What’s stopping them? – Are they just overwhelming themselves with thinking they need to have the whole plan decided upon rather than just a first step (notice a first step, not the first step)

At the heart of most coaching journeys lies the willingness to confront the unknown, to venture into uncharted territories. It is here, in the crucible of uncertainty, that true growth and transformation occur. As coaches, we must inspire our clients to embrace any inherent discomfort of beginnings, to see it not as a barrier but as a gateway to new possibilities.

When I read the proverb one of the first questions I pondered was if that’s half of every action what goes into the other half? The answer I came up with is that there can be variables at play, willingness, determination, resilience, consistency and momentum were all aspects that occured to me – what else would you add into that mix?

It also occured to me that beginning does not have to be about starting a brand new project, it can be about the approach to a next stage of an existing project or even bringing a new approach to an existing area.

The Greek proverb serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power inherent in beginnings. It challenges us to embrace the journey with courage and conviction, to recognize that every step taken brings us closer to realizing our true potential. As coaches, let us stand at the threshold of possibility with our clients, ready to embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation. So I will leave you this Monday with the question – What are you going to begin at the start of this new week? A new book? A new invitation to experience your coaching? A new personal goal? Or will it be a new approach to an existing project?

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.

Reflections on Aesop’s Fable: Embracing Humility and Perspective

18 February 2024 in quote tagged Aesop / coach / coaches / coaching / humility / quote / self-awareness

This image is in a cartoon style. Two grey horses in harness is pulling a Roman centorian in a one person chariot. The Roman is wearing a red billowing cape and metal brest plate and helmet.
A fly, with large eyes, is sat on the bar of the chariot.
The text reads: "The fly sat upon the axel-tree of the chariot-wheel and said, 'What a dust do I raise!'" (The Fly on the Wheel, Aesop)

Today’s quote is:

“The fly sat upon the axel-tree of the chariot-wheel and said, ‘What a dust do I raise!'” (The fly and the wheel, Aesop)

In this ancient tale, the fly perceives itself as the catalyst for change, oblivious to the fact that it’s merely riding on the wheel that’s causing the disruption. This narrative prompts us to reflect on our own actions and decisions: Are we truly the drivers of change, or are we simply passengers along for the ride, overestimating our influence?

In a world where self-importance often clouds our judgment, Aesop’s fable reminds us of the importance of maintaining a humble perspective. It challenges us to acknowledge our place within the larger context of life’s unfolding and to recognize that we are part of a bigger system.

But humility doesn’t mean diminishing our worth or downplaying our contributions.For me, it’s about gaining insight into our role within the larger scheme of things and taking our thinking lightly. It’s about understanding the real effects of our actions and appreciating the interconnectedness of all beings.

As coaches, we can often help our clients navigate what seems like a delicate balance between confidence and humility. We can encourage them to evaluate their contributions and influence while also fostering an appreciation for the broader system or community they are part of.

So, let’s take a moment today to reflect on Aesop’s timeless wisdom. Let’s consider how this fable resonates with us and how it prompts us to ensure we’re not overestimating or underestimating our importance or influence. By embracing humility and perspective, we can navigate life’s journey with grace and wisdom.

What are your thoughts on Aesop’s fable? How does it inspire you to approach your role and influence in the world? Share your reflections in the comments below.

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.

Random Acts of Kindness: A Reflection for Coaches

17 February 2024 in quote tagged coaches / coaching / Frederick William Faber / kindness / quote

This is an illustration of a large healthy green tree. In the centre of the big trunk is a glowing light. The tree has many roots shooting downn into the ground and spreading out. There are many other trees around. The text reads "The single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make fresh trees." (Frederick William Faber.

Today marks Random Acts of Kindness Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of kindness in our lives and those around us. As we “celebrate” this day, here’s today’s quote:

“The single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make fresh trees.” (Frederick William Fabe)

This quote beautifully captures the essence of kindness – its ability to spread far and wide, touching lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. It reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect, planting seeds of positivity and hope wherever it goes.

For me, this quote serves as an invitation to pause and reflect on the power of a single act of kindness. It prompts us to consider how we can incorporate kindness not only into our personal lives but also within our professional circles and, perhaps most importantly, towards ourselves.

So, I invite you to ponder the following questions:

1️⃣ In your business: What random act of kindness could you extend to your clients, colleagues, or partners? It could be as simple as sending a thoughtful note of appreciation or offering a helping hand to someone in need.

2️⃣ For those around you: How can you brighten someone else’s day with a random act of kindness? Whether it’s a friendly smile, a listening ear, or a small gesture of support, your kindness has the power to uplift and inspire those around you.

3️⃣ For yourself: In the midst of your busy schedule and responsibilities, how can you show yourself kindness and compassion? It could be carving out time for self-care, practicing gratitude, or simply acknowledging and celebrating your own accomplishments and strengths.

Take a moment to notice what arises as you reflect on these questions. Perhaps you’ll uncover a new opportunity to spread kindness or discover a deeper appreciation for the kindness already present in your life.

While the invitation is simply to reflect, if you feel called to take action on any of your answers, I encourage you to do so. Let us seize this day as an opportunity to sow seeds of kindness and compassion, knowing that even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference.

Have a wonderful Random Acts of Kindness Day, and please feel free to share your reflections in the comments below.

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.

Navigating Challenges in Coaching and embracing imperfection

16 February 2024 in quote tagged Anne Bronte / but / coach / coaches / coaching / perfection / quote

This image is just a bold black quote in text on a white background. The text reads: "There is always a 'but' in this imperfect world." Below in smaller none-bold capital letters is the person's name who said the quote: (Anne Bronte)

Today’s quote is:

“There is always a ‘but’ in this imperfect world.” (Anne Bronte)

Coaching, to me, is about guiding someone towards their true self. This quote resonates with me because it applies to coaching as well. There will always be hurdles to overcome, challenges to face, and uncertainties to navigate. But it’s how we deal with these ‘buts’ that truly define us.

I don’t get disgruntled if a client has a “but” response to a question or story. To me, it’s just an indication of how the world looks to them. It often reveals what’s getting in their way. I prefer honest, real answers rather than what a client thinks they “should” say or what I want to hear. That’s where we can actually move forward.

Each ‘but’ presents a chance to delve deeper, explore new perspectives, and discover untapped potential. It’s through facing these challenges that we inspire, motivate, and empower those we coach. In my previous role as a corporate trainer, we often looked at objection handling as something to be overcome. Now, it’s more of a discussion between two willing participants about what the situation looks like to them.

What stands out in this quote is the acknowledgment of life’s inherent imperfections and the recognition that they are an integral part of the coaching process. It reminds us that perfection is not the goal; rather, it’s the continuous pursuit of growth and development that defines our success as coaches. In fact, an expectation of perfection can often keep someone stuck from taking any action whatsoever. That doesn’t mean that we can’t strive to improve our skills, but we can relieve any pressure from expecting everything to be perfect every time.

So, let’s embrace the imperfections, the ‘buts’ of coaching, and use them as fuel to propel ourselves and our clients forward. Let’s embrace the challenges, knowing that they are the stepping stones to greatness. Together, let’s navigate this imperfect world with courage, compassion, and unwavering determination.

What resonates with you in this quote? How do you approach the ‘buts’ in your coaching practice? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.

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.

Embracing Rest: The Importance of Downtime for Coaches

15 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / idleness / productivity / quote / rest / self-care / Sir John Lubbock / time

A empty green bench is in the bottom left corner surrounded by green grass and a couple of trees on the edge in the foreground. In the distance is a stretch of blue water with a distant tree line on the far bank. The sky is blue with fluffy white clouds.
The text reads: "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time" (Sir John Lubbock)

Today’s quote is:

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time” (Sir John Lubbock)

As coaches, we’re accustomed to giving our all to support others in their personal and professional growth. We’re often passionate about our work and dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. But in our quest to empower others, we mustn’t overlook the importance of caring for and listening to ourselves.

Rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being and effectiveness as coaches. Here are a few reasons why embracing rest is essential:

Renewed Energy: Just as our clients need breaks to recharge and refocus, so do we. Taking time to rest allows us to replenish our energy reserves and approach our coaching sessions with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
Enhanced Creativity: Rest provides space for our minds to wander and explore new ideas. When we give ourselves permission to step away from our work, we create opportunities for inspiration and innovation to flourish.
Improved Focus: Constant busyness can lead to burnout and diminished cognitive function. By prioritising rest, we can sharpen our focus and attention, enabling us to be more present and engaged in our coaching sessions.
Stress Reduction: Many find the demands of coaching and running a business can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Incorporating regular periods of rest into our routine can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

So, how can we embrace rest in our busy lives as coaches?

Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like any other important appointment in your calendar. Block off time for relaxation and leisure activities, whether it’s a leisurely walk in nature, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Prioritise self-care and honour your need for rest, even if it means disappointing others temporarily. I often find setting expectations at the start of working with someone helps – For example I ensure that clients know I reply to emails within 48 hours – usually much faster but there will be times when I’m not reachable every moment of the day. It may be that you are happy to be “on call” 24/7, it’s just not something that works with my other commitments – and its easier to be transparent about that up-front. Any client that is looking for that level of support and its a deal breaker then I’m not the coach for them – I feel its better for us both to find that out quickly.
Listen to yourself: We spend a lot of time in coach trainings looking at listening to others – how much do you actually listen to yourself? What do you want to do right now? What do you know to do?
Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or fellow coaches, having a strong support network can help you navigate the challenges of coaching while prioritizing your well-being. You don’t have to do everything on your own!

In conclusion, rest is not a luxury reserved for the idle; it’s an essential component of a healthy and balanced life. As coaches, it’s important to honor our need for rest and relaxation, recognizing that it’s not only beneficial for our own well-being but also essential for our effectiveness in supporting others. So, let’s embrace rest as a valuable tool for self-care and recharge our batteries so we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients.

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.

Invitation to share

14 February 2024 in site news tagged coach / coaches / coaching / invite / resource

The background is like an explosion of paint has happened with lots of different bright colours blending into each other. An image of a lightbulb is ontop of that with the outline looking like it is done in charcoal.
The text over the top reads "Invitation to share"

What have you created this week that you’d love to share with an audience of coaches? Perhaps it’s a blog post, or maybe it’s an Instagram Reel you think will resonate with other coaches. You’re welcome to pop the links in the replies below. If there’s enough interest, I’ll also compile all the links into a post roundup in a new post, alongside any that have also been shared on the invite on the blogs Facebook page

Let’s support each other’s creative efforts and learn from one another. This is an invitation to proudly share your work, ideas, or inspirations below. Who knows, your creation might also be the spark that ignites the fire in another coach. Looking forward to seeing your creations!