quote

Gaining Clarity: Exploring a Coaching Perspective Through a Fresh Lens

26 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / coaching business / fresh eyes / perspective / proverb

Today’s quote is actually a proverb:

“A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year.” (Polish proverb)

At first glance, the proverb may seem paradoxical. How can a guest, who spends only a fleeting moment in a host’s domain, possess greater insight than the host, who dwells within it year-round? The answer lies in the power of perception and perspective. A guest enters a situation with fresh eyes, unencumbered by preconceived notions or biases. They notice the subtle details, observe the interactions, and absorb the ambiance in a way that the host may overlook in their familiarity.

I think this proverb points to one of the aspects that many find really powerful about coaching. The coach acts a trusted pair of fresh eyes upon a situation. What may just seem to a client that something has always been the case, and it’s never occurred to them to question may be obvious to a coach to question. It’s from this coaching perspective that we can have impact.

In the realm of coaching, this proverb takes on a deeper significance. Coaches often serve as trusted guides, offering insights from a coaching perspective on their clients’ experiences and challenges. Like the guest in the proverb, coaches approach each coaching session with a sense of curiosity and openness, ready to explore new insights and perspectives alongside their clients.

One of the unique aspects of coaching is the ability to create a safe and supportive space for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. In this way, coaches act as facilitators of exploration and discovery, helping their clients uncover hidden truths and insights that may have eluded them in their day-to-day lives.

Moreover, the proverb underscores the importance of presence in coaching. By remaining fully present and engaged during coaching sessions, coaches can pick up on subtle cues and nuances in their clients’ words and behaviours, allowing for a deeper exploration of their experiences and perceptions. This heightened level of awareness enables coaches to provide more targeted and impactful guidance, helping their clients navigate challenges and obstacles with greater clarity and confidence.

A different coaching perspective

From another coaching perspective, looking at our own coaching and coaching business with new eyes can also be revealing. How easy is it for an interested client to get in touch with you? What information does someone new to your coaching need? By adopting the perspective of a guest in our own coaching practice, we can uncover areas for improvement and refinement that may have gone unnoticed in our day-to-day operations.

For example, imagine stepping into the shoes of a potential client visiting your coaching website for the first time. Are your services clearly outlined? Is your contact information easily accessible? Do you demonstrate the value of your coaching? By considering these questions from the perspective of an outsider, you can identify opportunities to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of your coaching business.

Furthermore, the proverb encourages us to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth in our coaching practice. Just as a guest brings fresh insights and perspectives to a host’s home, so too can ongoing education and professional development enrich our coaching skills and offerings. Whether through attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or engaging in peer-to-peer learning, coaches can expand their knowledge and expertise, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their clients.

By adopting the perspective of a guest in our coaching practice, we not only gain valuable insights into our own blind spots and areas for improvement but also cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of coaching. Just as a guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year, so too can we uncover new possibilities and opportunities for growth by approaching our coaching with fresh eyes and an open heart.

As we continue on our coaching journey, let us embrace the wisdom of the proverb and strive to create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that inspire growth, insight, and transformation for ourselves and our clients alike.

Ultimately, the Polish proverb “A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year” reminds us of the transformative power of perspective and perception in coaching. By embracing humility, curiosity, and openness, coaches can create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that foster growth, insight, and self-discovery for both themselves and their clients.

As we reflect on this proverb, let us remember to use our coaching perspective as the wisdom of the guest and strive to approach each coaching session with fresh eyes and an open heart, ready to explore new insights and possibilities together with 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.

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.

Is Doubting a Problem in Coaching?

25 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / curiosity / doubt / Peter Abeland / quote / truth

A black background shows a circular golden laberynth of a maze from above. In the centre is a glowing light.
The text reads: "By doubting we come to enquiry, and through enquiry we perceive truth," (Peter Abelard)

Happy Monday! Today’s quote is:

“By doubting we come to enquiry, and through enquiry we perceive truth,” (Peter Abelard)

In the realm of coaching, we often seek clarity, understanding, and truth. We aspire to guide our clients towards insights that can catalyse growth and transformation. Yet, in our pursuit of truth, we may overlook a fundamental aspect of the human experience: doubt. There can be inherent wisdom embedded within the process of questioning and enquiry.

Doubt is often viewed as a hindrance, a sign of uncertainty or insecurity. However, Abelard invites us to reconsider the role of doubt in our quest for truth. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle, we can embrace doubt as a gateway to deeper understanding. When we doubt, we are prompted to inquire, to explore, and to seek answers. It is through this process of questioning that we begin to unravel the layers of illusion and misconception that obscure the truth.

In coaching, doubt can serve as a catalyst for growth and transformation. When a client expresses doubt, it is an opportunity to delve deeper, to explore the underlying beliefs and assumptions that may be holding them back. By encouraging clients to question their perspectives and thinking, coaches can facilitate a process of self-discovery and insight.

Moreover, doubt opens the door to curiosity and enquiry. Instead of accepting things at face value, we are encouraged to dig deeper, to explore alternative viewpoints, and to challenge our assumptions. Through enquiry, we gain new perspectives, uncover hidden truths, and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Sometimes, “I don’t know” is just about not knowing yet. We can judge ourselves all we like about the length of time something “should” take, but I seldom find that increasing a feeling of pressure with that judgment speeds up an answer. Being comfortable with not resisting uncertainty allows fresh and new thinking to arise.

As coaches, we can cultivate an environment of openness and curiosity, where doubt is welcomed as an integral part of the coaching process. By creating a safe space for clients to explore their doubts and uncertainties, we empower them to engage in a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Furthermore, Abelard’s quote reminds us of the importance of discernment in our quest for truth. Not all inquiries lead to truth; some may lead us down dead ends or false paths. However, it is through the process of discernment that we learn to distinguish between what is true and what is merely illusion.

So, what about the coach? What if we’re doubting?

As coaches, we’re not immune to doubt ourselves. There are moments when we may question our abilities, our approach, or even the effectiveness of coaching itself. However, it’s essential to recognize that our doubts can be just as valuable as those of our clients. They can serve as signals for growth and self-reflection, prompting us to examine our assumptions and explore new avenues of learning.

Embracing our own doubts allows us to model vulnerability and authenticity for our clients, fostering deeper connections and trust within the coaching relationship. By acknowledging and exploring our doubts, we can refine our skills, deepen our understanding, and ultimately become more effective guides on the journey towards truth and self-discovery.

I would suggest that exploration takes place in your own time rather than during a coaching session with a client. For me, that time is the client’s, my role is to be fully present with them as best I can. This means setting aside personal uncertainties and focusing entirely on the person in front of me, creating a safe and supportive space for their exploration and growth.

Outside of sessions, I can dedicate time I want to reflect on my doubts, seeking mentorship, further education, or personal development opportunities to address them constructively if I feel it’s important. Ideally, bring a sense of playfulness into exploring what is being pointed towards. By prioritising my own growth and self-awareness, I ensure that I can show up as the best possible guide for my clients, offering them unwavering support and encouragement on their journey towards their own truth and self-discovery.

Ultimately, Abelard’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of doubt and enquiry in our journey towards truth. By embracing doubt as a catalyst for growth, cultivating curiosity and enquiry, and exercising discernment, we can unlock new insights, deepen our understanding, and empower ourselves and our clients to live more authentic and fulfilling lives.

As we continue on our coaching journey, let us embrace doubt as a friend rather than a foe, recognizing its potential to lead us towards deeper truth and understanding. Through doubt and enquiry, we open ourselves up to a world of infinite possibilities, where truth awaits those brave enough to seek it.

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.

Celebrating Being Present

24 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / past / presentness / quote / W. Somerset Maugham

A dreamlike image. A lone individual in shadow is stood on a beach at the edge of the sea. They are looking out across the ocean as the waves lap against the sand, leaving ripple effects in their wake. The sun is setting in the background, giving lots of orange and red shades to this image.
The text reads: "I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present." (W. Somerset Maugham)

Happy Sunday! Today’s quote is:

“I don’t think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.” (W. Somerset Maugham)

Take a moment to immerse yourself in a thought experiment. Imagine awakening with the sudden inability to recall the past or envision the future. All that exists is the vibrant tapestry of the present moment, unfurling before you like a blank canvas. What would that experience be like for you?

For me, this hypothetical scenario evokes an immediate sense of connection and presence. It’s as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to fully engage with the here and now. There’s a palpable calmness and stillness that permeates my being, enabling me to channel my undivided attention towards whatever unfolds in front of me. How does it resonate with you?

Too often, we find ourselves caught in the web of thought, endlessly ruminating on the past or projecting into the future. We expend precious energy yearning for things to be different from how they are, resisting the inherent beauty and richness of the present moment. Memories from the past may hold us captive, entangling us in intricate narratives of judgment and regret.

But what if we could release ourselves from this mental entrapment? What if we could relinquish the need to dwell on what has been or what might be, and instead embrace the boundless potential of the everlasting present? In doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, where each moment is an invitation to savour, cherish, and celebrate.

It’s important to note that embracing the present moment doesn’t imply disregarding the skills and valuable lessons we’ve acquired for the future. Rather, it means recognizing that our habits of thinking can be dropped at any moment. Even if we momentarily forget this ability, we can always remember it again. So, instead of dwelling on self-criticism for forgetting, we can gently bring ourselves back to the present and bypass judgmental thoughts altogether.

By cultivating an awareness of the everlasting present, we unlock the door to boundless joy, creativity, and inner peace. So, as you go about your day, I invite you to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself fully in the richness of each moment. For it is here, in the tapestry of the present, that we discover the profound beauty of being alive. Let’s cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment, allowing it to unfold with grace and intention. For in the richness of the here and now, we discover the true essence of life itself.

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.

A Shift in Perspective: Understanding Abigail Adams’ Wisdom

21 March 2024 in quote tagged Abigail Adams / circumstances / coach / coaches / coaching / judgement / perspective / quote

A light blue wall meats the same shade blue floor, though shadow and lighting makes it easy to see the 3 dimensional nature of that.
To the right is a post with 6 arrows all pointing either approximatley north east or north west from the viewers perspective. These white signs all appear to be blank.
The text to the left reads: "But let no person say what they would or would not do, since we are not judges for ourselves until circumstances call us to act." (Abigail Adams)

Today’s quote is:

“But let no person say what they would or would not do, since we are not judges for ourselves until circumstances call us to act.” (Abigail Adams)

In this quote, Abigail Adams challenges the notion of preconceived judgments and underscores the importance of context in determining our actions. She reminds us that it is only when faced with real-life circumstances that we truly understand the depths of our convictions and the choices we make. Let’s delve deeper into this thought-provoking quote and explore its relevance in our lives today.

Adams’ words resonate with the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. Often, we find ourselves forming opinions and making declarations about what we would or would not do in certain situations. However, such assertions are based on speculation rather than lived experience. We may believe we know ourselves well, but it is only when confronted with the complexities of real-life scenarios that our true character is tested.

Consider, for example, a hypothetical scenario where someone proclaims they would never compromise their values for personal gain. While this declaration may seem noble in theory, it is only when faced with a moral dilemma in the heat of the moment that one’s true convictions are put to the test. Circumstances have a remarkable way of challenging our beliefs and forcing us to confront our innermost values.

Judgement

Moreover, Adams’ insight highlights the fallibility of human judgment. We are often quick to judge others based on their actions without considering the context in which those actions occurred. However, as Adams suggests, we cannot fully understand another person’s choices until we have walked in their shoes. What may seem like a clear-cut decision from the outside may be far more complex when viewed from the individual’s perspective.

Furthermore, Adams’ words urge us to embrace humility in our interactions with others. Instead of passing judgment or making assumptions about someone else’s behavior, we should strive to cultivate empathy and understanding. Recognizing that we are not the ultimate arbiters of truth allows us to approach situations with an open mind and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.

In today’s world, where social media and instant communication often fuel snap judgments and knee-jerk reactions, Adams’ wisdom serves as a timely reminder to pause and reflect before rushing to conclusions. Rather than jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information, we should strive to withhold judgment until we have all the facts.

Perspective

What this quote also points towards is that our experiences of our cirmcumstances is directly a result of our thinking in that moment. So if you are in a low mood with lots of rubbish thinking you could react differently to the same minor inconvienience then if you had been in a great mood with not a lot on your mind.

I have found that if you have an understanding about that’s just how we work as humans that it’s much easier not to make knee jerk reactions because of low moods. I tend to be more aware that with that thinking going on that its not a great time to make life changing decisions or say something that will make situations worse.

An awareness and trust in the existance in our own innate wisdom also means that it is often easier to notice and listen to any guidance that shows up in the moment – you may think of that as intuition or a gut feeling. It’s something that operates in the now, rather than when we project our thinking into the future to try and predict what we would do. Which means that in any moment we have the possibility of something occuring to you in that moment that would never have occured to you before.

In conclusion, Abigail Adams’ quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, empathy, and open-mindedness in our interactions with others. By recognizing the limitations of our own judgment and embracing the complexities of human experience, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, it is only through the crucible of real-life circumstances that our true character is revealed, and our capacity for empathy and compassion is tested.

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.

What If Innate Happiness Exists?

20 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Daphne du Maurier / happiness / innate happiness / quote

The background is a bright teal/green shade. To the right is a yellow balloon floating in the air with a string fastened to it and dangling down and out of sight at the bottom of the image. The yellow balloon has two eyes drawn on in black and a big smiling face.
The text to the left reads: "Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind." (Daphne du Maurier)"

Today is #InternationalDayOfHappiness so you’ll never guess what I’ve selected today’s quote to be about:

“Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.” (Daphne du Maurier)

In our journey through life, we often seek happiness as if it were an external possession to be acquired, chasing after fleeting moments of joy and pleasure Today I invite you to play with a thought experiment: What if, happiness is not something we need to pursue or attain; what if, it is an innate quality of our true nature, a state of mind that arises from within?

What if, at its core, happiness is not contingent upon material possessions, external circumstances, or fleeting moments of pleasure. Instead, how we feel emerges from the way we perceive and interpret the world around us. It is a lens through which we view life—a perspective that colors our experiences and shapes our reality. And under all of that is a innate sense of peace and happiness?

Du Maurier’s insight challenges the conventional notion of happiness as an external pursuit and invites us to explore its true essence within the realm of our thoughts and emotions. It suggests that happiness is not dependent on the accumulation of wealth, status, or achievements but is rather a byproduct of our internal state of being.

What if, at its essence, happiness is not something we need to strive for or chase after; it is already within us, waiting to be uncovered and realized? By recognizing the role of Thought in shaping our reality, we come to understand that our experience of happiness is not determined by external events but by the quality of our thinking in the moment.

As we delve deeper into Du Maurier’s quote, we uncover the transformative power of understanding the nature of thought. What if happiness isn’t about changing external circumstances but the shifting nature of our perspective on life dependent upon our thinking? What if it’s about recognizing the innate resilience and wisdom within us?

Imagine living in a world where happiness isn’t contingent on achieving a certain goal or possessing a specific object. Instead, it flows effortlessly from our ability to embrace the present moment with gratitude and acceptance because that’s when we are closer to our innate nature.

By acknowledging that happiness is our innate state, we could free ourselves from the relentless pursuit of external validation and find solace in the knowledge that true contentment comes from within. It’s not about denying our challenges or pretending that everything is perfect; it’s about embracing life with all its ups and downs and finding peace in the midst of chaos.

So, on this International Day of Happiness, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the true nature of happiness. I invite you to play with this thought experiment, that happiness isn’t something to be chased after—it’s something to be discovered within ourselves, in the quiet moments of reflection and gratitude.

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.

Transcending Perception: Exploring the Depths of Reality

19 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / perception / proverb / quote / reality

This is a drawn image with brown, greens and white as the colour scheme.
In the foreground is a huge anthill with a bird pirched upon the top. This anthill, from our perception as the viewer, is the same height as the trees in the background.
The text reads: “A bird that flies off the earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground.” (Nigerian proverb)

Happy Tuesday! Today’s quote is acually a proverb:

“A bird that flies off the earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground.” (Nigerian proverb)

This proverb jumped out to me as reflecting something I’m sure we’ve all come across in coaching and as individuals. In the realm of human experience, we often find ourselves confined by the limitations of our own perceptions. We perceive the world through the lens of our thoughts, beliefs, and past experiences, unwittingly creating barriers that hinder our ability to see beyond the surface of reality.

At first glance, this proverb may seem like a simple observation of physical reality. Indeed, a bird may soar high into the sky, but when it alights on an anthill, it remains tethered to the earth. However, if we delve deeper, we uncover a profound truth about the nature of perception and the illusory nature of boundaries.

From a coaching perspective, this proverb invites us to explore the nature of our own perceptions and the ways in which they shape our experience of reality. Just as the bird remains bound by the earth despite its ability to fly, we too remain bound by the limitations of our own thinking.

If we recognise that our experience of reality is not determined by external circumstances, but by the thoughts that pass through our minds, then I’ve found it can become easier to question the truth of those perceptions. We are like the bird, soaring through the vast expanse of the sky, yet tethered to the ground by the invisible threads of our own perceptions.

When we cling to limiting beliefs and entrenched patterns of thinking, we remain trapped within the confines of our own minds, unable to see beyond the boundaries we have created for ourselves. We may strive for success, happiness, and fulfillment, but as long as we are bound by the limitations of our own perceptions, we will continue to feel stuck and constrained.

But what if we could learn to see beyond these self-imposed boundaries? What if we could tap into a deeper level of understanding that transcends the limitations of our own thinking? This is where the transformative power of coaching comes into play.

As coaches, our role is not to provide answers or solutions, but to guide our clients on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. We help them uncover the invisible barriers that hold them back and support them in seeing beyond the confines of their own perceptions. Cultivating an understanding about the illusionary nature of those “barriers” also can make it much easier to see through them in the future.

Through deep listening, insightful questioning, and gentle guidance, we help our clients tap into their innate wisdom and insight, enabling them to see the world with fresh eyes and explore new possibilities. We encourage them to let go of limiting beliefs and embrace a mindset of openness, curiosity, and possibility.

In doing so, we help them break free from the constraints of their own thinking and experience a newfound sense of freedom and possibility. Like the bird that takes flight, they soar above the limitations of their own perceptions and discover a world of infinite potential.

In conclusion, the Nigerian proverb reminds us that true freedom lies not in breaking free from external constraints, but in transcending the limitations of our own perceptions. As coaches, we have the privilege of guiding our clients on this journey of self-discovery and transformation, helping them uncover the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the boundaries of their own minds.

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.

Beyond Judgment: Creating a Coaching Space of Understanding and Acceptanc

18 March 2024 in quote tagged authenticity / coach / coaches / coaching / judgement / quote / Rumi

Thius is a dreamlike image. In the distance there is a treeline with a golden sunrise coming over the horizon so the sky is yellow and red blending into a nights sky with stars.
A rolling green field fills the rest of the image with golden sparkly specks in the air adding to that dreamlike feel. It has a tranquil sense, a space of no judgement.
The text reads: "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there." (Rumi)

Happy Monday! Today’s quote is:

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” (Rumi)

Rumi’s words resonate deeply with the essence of what coaching means to me, offering a profound invitation to transcend the limitations of judgment and embrace the boundless realm of understanding and connection. It’s one of those quotes that feels like it’s pointing towards something of real impact but finding the words to describe this does not do it justice.

Reflecting on Rumi’s profound invitation to transcend judgment and embrace understanding, I’m reminded of the transformative potential inherent in coaching relationships. For me, that field is like being wrapped in a duvet of love – safe and secure, yet vast and expansive. It’s a deeply personal space, yet simultaneously expansive and boundless.

In this tranquil and peaceful environment, new thoughts and creativity seem to flow effortlessly, transforming what once appeared as insurmountable challenges into manageable situations. When coaching, this space sets the stage for deep exploration and growth, inviting clients to step beyond the constraints of judgment and into a realm of openness and acceptance.

To me, coaching is about meeting clients where they are, without judgment, and working collaboratively from that place. In recent conversations with clients, I’ve noticed a common theme: fear of judgment often holds them back, even from the very beginning of our work together.

In light of meeting clients without judgment, a cornerstone of my coaching practice is fostering an environment where clients are comfortable being honest and truthful. As a coach, I value honesty and truthfulness from my clients. When clients aren’t fully truthful, it’s usually because their perception of the world differs from mine, and they genuinely believe what they’re saying, or they fear judgment and believe it reflects negatively on them. I don’t see my clients as broken or flawed; underneath their tangled thoughts, they’re whole and capable individuals. I approach each session with an open mind, without making judgments about what they’ve yet to uncover.

Instead of viewing situations through the lens of judgment and criticism, coaches can guide their clients to explore beyond these constructs, fostering an environment of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect.

By helping clients move beyond their limiting beliefs and thought patterns, coaches empower them to access their innate capacity for resilience, creativity, and insight. This allows for transformative breakthroughs and personal growth, fostering deeper connections and relationships.

In coaching conversations, approaching with a sense of curiosity and openness, free from the constraints of right and wrong, can lead to profound insights and understanding. In this space of non-judgmental listening and exploration, clients are empowered to navigate their challenges with clarity and confidence.

Ultimately, Rumi’s quote reminds us of the transformative power of understanding and empathy, principles that I feel lie at the heart of effective coaching. In the field beyond right and wrong, we find the fertile ground for authentic connection and meaningful relationships. I invite you to heed Rumi’s invitation and venture into this field, where compassion and understanding flourish, and where the seeds of peace and harmony are sown.

Ready to experience coaching without judgment? Schedule an initial chat or drop me an email to start your journey towards growth and authenticity

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.

Waiting in Peace: Cultivating Patience on the Coaching Journey

17 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / patience / peace / quote / Sir John Lubbock

This is a dreamlike image of a tranquil sandy beach and calm clear blue sea. The sun is shining and in the foreground to the right 6 smooth stones are balanced in size order on top of one another .
The text reads: "When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace." - Sir John Lubbock

Happy Sunday! Today’s quote is:

“When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.” (Sir John Lubbock)

In whats often reffered to as a fast-paced world, where instant gratification often reigns supreme, the concept of waiting for results in peace may seem counterintuitive. However, if you coach from an inside out perspective, Sir John Lubbock’s words offer invaluable insights into the power of patience and trust in the coaching journey.

As coaches, our role is to guide and support our clients as they navigate their personal and professional challenges. We may offer strategies, insights, and encouragement to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. Yet, despite our best efforts, there comes a point where we must relinquish control and allow the process to unfold naturally.

This quote serves as a poignant reminder that after exerting our utmost effort, we must entrust the process and await the outcome with a sense of peace. It doesn’t entail passive inaction or idleness; rather, it entails seeking inner calm and serenity, acknowledging that we’ve fulfilled our part and allowing the universe to unfold as it should.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t imply a stagnation of personal growth or development; it simply means recognising that we’ve given our best in the present moment. It doesn’t mean you can never improve your skills or understanding further to make quicker and greater impact. It’s about honoring your current best without feeling constrained by it indefinitely

This concept aligns with the understanding that our experience of reality is created from the inside-out. Our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions shape our reality, and when we’re able to cultivate a sense of peace within ourselves, we invite that peace to permeate our external circumstances.

So how can we, as coaches, embody this principle in our practice?

First and foremost, it’s about cultivating a deep sense of trust in the coaching process. Trust that our clients have the innate wisdom and resilience to navigate their challenges. Trust that the insights and breakthroughs will emerge in their own time. And trust that, as coaches, we are merely facilitators in their journey towards growth and self-discovery – it’s not our job to produce answers ourselves.

Secondly, it’s about embracing patience as a guiding principle in our coaching practice. Instead of rushing to find solutions or fix problems, we can create space for our clients to explore, reflect, and uncover their own answers. This requires us to resist the urge to intervene or provide immediate solutions and instead allow our clients the freedom to discover their own truth.

Finally, it’s about embodying a sense of peace and presence in our coaching interactions. When we approach our work with a calm and grounded presence, we create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. This sense of peace not only benefits our clients by fostering deeper connections and trust, but as an added bonus it also transforms outcomes for us as coaches. By embodying peace, we may notice a positive difference in our own perspective and the overall coaching experience.

In conclusion, Sir John Lubbock’s quote reminds us that as coaches, our role is not to control or dictate outcomes but rather to trust in the inherent wisdom of the coaching process. By embracing patience, trust, and peace in our practice, we can create profound opportunities for growth, transformation, and self-discovery for ourselves and our clients alike.

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.