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Uncovering Hidden Genius and Nurturing Potential: A Coach’s Imperative

26 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coachign for genius / coaching / empowerment coaching / genius / Mark Twain / potential / quote

Looking down from above, a jigsaw that is made up of blank white pieces is almost complete. Slightly to the right of centre there is one piece missing showing whatever this is resting upon is pale blue. A round hand held magnifying glass is sat ontop of that gap with the missing space positioned centrally of the magnifying circle.
The text reads: "Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered — either by themselves or by others" (Mark Twain)

Happy Monday, fellow coaches! Today’s quote is:

“Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered — either by themselves or by others.” (Mark Twain)

As we embark on another week of guiding and empowering individuals, let’s delve into this thought-provoking statement. It prompted us to ponder the role of coaches in uncovering latent genius and nurturing potential within those we work with.

Before we delve deeper, let’s first define what we mean by “genius.” According to the dictionary, genius encompasses exceptional intellectual or creative power, or other natural abilities. It’s not merely about academic prowess or innate talent but rather about tapping into one’s unique potential to innovate, create, and excel.

Reflecting on our coaching approach, many of us might resonate with the idea that our role extends beyond mere skill development. While honing skills is undoubtedly important, our focus has evolved to encompass tapping into individuals’ inherent creative power and wisdom. We recognize that each person possesses a reservoir of untapped potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

That doesn’t mean that this will be your primary focus of your coaching role. Particularly if you are coaching as a manage in a business your emphasis might have been primarily on enhancing specific skill sets to meet organizational objectives. When I was working as a trainer in the corporate world, that was certainly often my first objective in many of my coaching interations within that specific role. However, as we’ve grown my coaching practice – both in the business sense and as my own style has evolved, Ive come to realise that true transformation occurs when we empower individuals to embrace their innate genius.

So, is uncovering genius a part of our role as coaches? Fo me, absolutely. I know see my mission as transcending traditional notions of performance enhancement; it’s about unlocking the hidden brilliance within each individual client – even if that client doesn’t acually think that they have any innate creativity or brilliance.

Yet, despite our best efforts, the reality remains that many geniuses go unnoticed and uncelebrated. Some individuals may never recognize their own brilliance, while others may lack the support and encouragement needed to cultivate it fully.

Nurturing potential

However, this task is not without its challenges. Uncovering genius requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to dig beneath the surface. It involves creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their strengths, passions, and aspirations freely. There’s no set time scale to how long it takes a client to see for themselves, I currentl see my role as doing everything I can to increase that probability of an impactful insight happening at any moment.

As coaches, we must be willing to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and potentially encourage stepping out of their comfort zone. By fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation, we create the conditions for genius to flourish.

But perhaps most importantly, uncovering genius requires us to believe wholeheartedly in the potential of every individual we encounter. We must recognize that genius knows no bounds – it exists within each of us, waiting to be discovered and unleashed.

In conclusion, the quote by Mark Twain serves as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential that lies within each of us. As a coach, I see it as a privilege to uncover and nurture this hidden genius, to nurture individuals to realise their full potential and make their mark on the world.

What about you? Did the quote prompt something else for you? Do you see your role as something different? You’re welcome to add a comment 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.

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.

Defining Success: Navigating Your Coaching Journey

25 February 2024 in quote tagged Christopher Morley / coach / coaches / coaching / quote / success

This image has what looks like a picture frame drawn and coloured in with a wax orangy/brown crayon. Within the frame is what looks like a cream paper with the text: "There is only one success ... to be able to spend your life in your own way." (Christopher Morley)

Today’s quote is:

“There is only one success … to be able to spend your life in your way.” (Christopher Morley)

This quote prompts us to ponder what true success means to us and how we can achieve it while staying true to ourselves. As coaches, we play a pivotal role in guiding others on their journey to success, but I think it’s equally important for us to reflect on our own definitions of success and how they shape our coaching practice.

Defining Success:

Success means different things to different people. As coaches, it’s crucial to define what success looks like for us personally and professionally. Do we measure success by achieving specific goals, making a positive impact on our clients, or finding fulfillment in our work? Our definition of success influences the strategies we employ in our coaching practice and the goals we set for ourselves.

Personal Version of Success:

Reflecting on our personal version of success allows us to align our actions with our values and aspirations. Is success for us about financial prosperity, personal growth, or making a difference in the lives of others? By understanding what success means to us individually, we can chart a course that leads to fulfillment and satisfaction in our coaching journey.

Living Life on Our Own Terms:

Imagining a life where we can spend our time exactly as we wish prompts us to consider what changes we would make to our coaching business. Would we focus more on serving our clients in innovative ways, expanding our offerings, or prioritizing work-life balance? This exercise encourages us to envision our ideal scenario and take steps to bring it closer to reality.

Reimagining Daily Routine:

In our ideal scenario, how would our daily routine change? Would we allocate more time to client sessions, professional development, or self-care activities? If this isn’t something you have imagined from this perspective before this could give you new insight about how you’d love to be spending your time.

Identifying Priorities:

Understanding our priorities reveals what truly matters to us and guides our decision-making process. Would we prioritise building relationships with clients, refining our coaching skills, or pursuing personal interests outside of work? Clarifying our priorities empowers us to make intentional choices that align with our values and goals.

As coaches, let’s take a moment to reflect on these questions and share our insights in the comments below. By exploring our definitions of success and envisioning our ideal coaching journey, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and create a roadmap for achieving success on our own terms. Remember, success is not just about reaching a destination but about enjoying the journey along the way.

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.

If you are at the start of your coaching journey Jen does offer complimentary From Non-Coach to Coach Discovery sessions that will help refine your answers in more detail – plus look at next steps for you. Find more information about these sessions at this link.

Rediscovering Wisdom in Coaching Practice

24 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / information / innate wisdom / knowledge / quote / T. S. Elliot / wisdom

This is a watercolour image. It appears that we are viewing from inside a small cave with a grass floor. Looking out of the entrance to a golden sky bathing in hills on the horizon in an orange glow.
On the floor of the cave is a pile of books and paper.
The text reads: "Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?" (T.S. Elliot)

Today’s quote is:

“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” (T.S. Eliot)

This quote invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of wisdom, knowledge, and information. I’m going to add the invitation to consider how they intersect in your coaching practice.

Exploring the Layers:

In today’s digital age, we are inundated with information. A quick internet search yields a plethora of facts, figures, and data. Yet, amidst this abundance of information, true knowledge can sometimes feel elusive. For me, knowledge goes beyond mere facts; it encompasses understanding, insight, and application. As coaches, we sift through the noise of information to distill meaningful knowledge that can truly benefit our clients.

As I was writing this, it occurred to me that, at least for me, there is also my knowing. My knowing feels far more personal than knowledge gained from books. It’s the feeling that, if I’m listening, will guide me from knowing what I want to have for lunch through to knowing what to ask next in a coaching session. It doesn’t need me to intellectually figure anything out; that sense of knowing is just available – even if sometimes it makes no logical sense what the answer is saying!

Moreover, wisdom transcends knowledge. It involves not only knowing but also discerning, reflecting, and acting with prudence. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a way that is ethical, compassionate, and aligned with one’s values. I don’t know about your coaching practice, but I’m guessing you probably aspire to cultivate wisdom, guiding our clients to make thoughtful decisions and navigate life’s complexities with clarity and grace.

Again, for me, there is a difference between how culturally wisdom is often talked about and our own innate wisdom. Culturally, wisdom seems to come from others and often blends in a mix of cultural beliefs and thinking into the message, whereas our own wisdom feels cleaner in its guidance. For me, it is where that feeling of knowing comes from and is something where I am increasingly deepening my trust as always being available.

The Role of Coaching:

Coaching serves as a catalyst for this journey towards wisdom. Through thought-provoking questions, reflective exercises, and meaningful conversations, we encourage our clients to explore their values, beliefs, and aspirations. We help them uncover the knowledge that lies within, empowering them to make informed choices and take purposeful action.

In our coaching sessions, we go beyond imparting information or expertise. Instead, we create a space for deep inquiry and self-discovery, where clients can tap into their innate wisdom and intuition. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, we enable our clients to explore new perspectives, challenge limiting beliefs and thinking, and embrace growth opportunities.

Navigating the Information Age:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available at our fingertips. As coaches, we must help our clients navigate this information overload. As humans, it’s also really common for the thinking in our heads to go at a similar speed and create feelings of overwhelm. We encourage them to slow down, question assumptions, verify sources, and seek out diverse perspectives.

Furthermore, we remind our clients that wisdom is not solely derived from external sources but also from their own lived experiences and inner knowing. This means clients can tap into their intuition and access the wisdom that resides within them.

Conclusion:

T.S. Eliot’s quote challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with knowledge and information in our coaching practice. As coaches, we have a unique opportunity to guide our clients on a journey towards wisdom, helping them navigate the complexities of life with clarity, compassion, and authenticity. By prioritizing self-discovery, critical thinking, and mindful action, we empower our clients to cultivate wisdom in their own lives and become agents of positive change in the world.

Do you agree? Does this align with how you coach? Did the quote prompt something else for you? Feel free to share in the comments.

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.

Finding fulfillment and Success in Coaching: Insights from Jane Austen

23 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Jane Austin / marketing / quote / success

A black background has an illustration of three batteries in the centre with a band of green and then red light radiating outwards/ The cuboid bettery to the right has an indicatior light lit totally red. next to that battery is a cylindrical bettery which only has half of its indicator light lit green. A third battery is sat in front of those two, forming a traingular shape. That last batter has its indicator lit half green and half red.
The text reads: " "Nothing ever fatigues me, but doing what I do not light." (Jane Austin)

Today’s quote is:

“Nothing ever fatigues me, but doing what I do not like.” (Jane Austin)

This quote can be interpreted in numerous ways, but let’s apply it practically to our work as coaches.

In our line of work, there’s a constant influx of advice and strategies marketed to coaches on the topic off marketing, promising to be the magic formula for success. However, I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Professionals thrive using a variety of methods, and the key often lies in understanding and catering to your ideal clientele. For instance, if your target audience isn’t particularly tech-savvy, relying solely on digital communication might not yield the best results!

As far as I can tell, what sets apart those who enjoy long-term success is their ability to align their work with their passions and interests alongside being guided by their own wisdom. They do what genuinely energizes them, rather than forcing themselves into tasks that drain their enthusiasm. After all, we naturally gravitate towards activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Moreover, successful coaches are not afraid to experiment and try new approaches. They give themselves permission to explore and adapt, recognizing that the journey to success is rarely linear. Sometimes, changing direction or trying something new leads to unexpected breakthroughs and opportunities for growth.

So, what does Jane Austen’s quote prompt for you? How can you apply the principle of doing what energizes you in your coaching practice? Take a moment to reflect on the tasks and activities that truly bring you joy and fulfillment. Consider how you can incorporate more of these into your daily routine, and don’t hesitate to explore new avenues and approaches.

As we wrap up the week, let’s remember Jane Austen’s wise words and strive to build a coaching practice that brings us joy, fulfillment, and ultimately, success. After all, when we do what we love, fatigue becomes much less of an issue to deal with.

What are your thoughts on this quote? How do you interpret it in the context of coaching? Share your insights and reflections – I’d love to hear from you!

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.

Balancing Acts? Nurturing Others While Honoring Self-Care

22 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Michel de Montaigne / quote / self-care

The background is completly white. In the foreground is a blue gift box - the type where the lid lifts off the rest of the box. A lifter blue ribbon is tied around the box, culminating in a big bow on the top.
The text reads. "Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourslef." (Michel de Montaigne)

Today’s quote is:

“Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.” (Michel de Montaigne)

While it may not apply to every single approach to coaching, many coaches think of themselves as being part of the helping profession. We often lend ourselves to others, spending time imparting knowledge and nudging wisdom to the forefront. We pour our hearts into nurturing their potential, helping them to grow and thrive. But amidst this noble endeavor, let’s not forget to give to ourselves as well.

Today’s quote encapsulates what can feel like a delicate balance between serving others and nurturing one’s own well-being. Logic says that it is something that we know is essential for both coaches and their clients, but it’s not unusual to think that we’ve tipped the scale too far one way or another. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the imagery of anything being balanced – it suggests that there is only one universal “correct” place and doesn’t take into account other situations. For example, it may be that your physical health requires you to rest more compared to when you are fully healthy for a period of time if you are recovering from an illness or injury.

As coaches, we dedicate ourselves to supporting our clients on their journeys of self-discovery, personal development, and goal achievement. We lend our expertise, compassion, and guidance to help them navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and unlock their full potential. However, amidst the demands of coaching and the needs of our clients, it’s easy to neglect our own needs and priorities.

Montaigne’s quote reminds us of the importance of self-care, self-reflection, and self-prioritization. It urges us to carve out time and space for ourselves, to nourish our own growth, and to honor our own aspirations and dreams. After all, how can we effectively support others if we neglect our own well-being and fulfillment?

Lending ourselves to others is an act of generosity and service. It involves actively listening to our clients, empathizing with their experiences, and offering them our time, attention, and expertise. It requires us to be fully present, engaged, and attuned to their needs and goals. By lending ourselves to others, we create a safe and supportive space for our clients to explore, learn, and grow.

However, while lending ourselves to others is important, giving ourselves to ourselves is equally essential. It means prioritizing our own self-care, self-awareness, and personal development. It involves setting agreed expectations, practicing self-compassion, and pursuing our own passions and interests. When we give ourselves to ourselves, we replenish our own energy, creativity, and sense of fulfillment, allowing us to show up as our best selves for our clients.

Sometimes this is down to habit – I know that one of the things I can neglect when deeply listening to someone via a Zoom call is paying attention to my posture. Something that my physical body will remind me about at a later stage! I’m just in the habit of apparently deeply listening with my head slightly tilted to one side. Something that when I catch myself doing since spotting that lets me quietly straighten whilst still being fully present with that other person.

Finding the balance between lending ourselves to others and giving ourselves to ourselves requires intentionality and awareness. It involves recognizing when we need to recharge and replenish our own reserves and taking proactive steps to prioritize our well-being. This may involve scheduling regular self-care activities, setting boundaries around our time and energy, and engaging in practices that nourish our mind, body, and spirit.

As coaches, we have a responsibility not only to our clients but also to ourselves. By honoring our own needs and priorities, we model self-care and self-compassion for our clients, inspiring them to do the same. Ultimately, when we strike a healthy balance between lending ourselves to others and giving ourselves to ourselves, we create a sustainable foundation for both personal and professional fulfillment.

In conclusion, Montaigne’s quote serves as a powerful reminder for coaches to prioritize self-care and self-awareness amidst the demands of coaching. By finding the balance between serving others and nurturing ourselves, we create the conditions for both personal and professional growth. I think this quote is a reminder to invest in your personal growth, to cultivate your passions, to rest and recharge. Take time to reflect, to learn, and to grow. Because the more we refine ourselves, the more we have to offer. So, as you lend yourself to others, don’t forget to give yourself to yourself.

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 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.

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.