Today’s quote of the day:

“Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” (Louisa May Alcott)

As coaches, we resonate with the profound journey of guiding our clients towards their highest aspirations—those radiant beacons that light their path towards self-realization.

Distinguishing Aspirations, Desires, and Goals:

In the coaching landscape, the terms “aspiration,” “desire,” and “goal” often intermingle. I selected this quote as a prompt to ponder if clients are articulating their highest aspirations or merely expressing momentary desires. Do you find that clients sometimes present what seems like a logical next step rather than revealing what lies beyond? Reflecting on these distinctions can deepen our understanding of our clients’ true yearnings and guide them towards aspirations that resonate on a profound level.

Personally I find there is a very different feel and look when a client is talking about what they really want rather than, for example, settling for what they think they should do next. I like the imagery of sunshine with regards to this as there is a warmth and light that I associate with witnessing this, and when I’m in the position of a client – experiencing.

The Beauty and Joy in Aspirations:

At the heart of Alcott’s words lies a reminder of the beauty and joy encapsulated in our clients’ aspirations. These are not just waypoints on a journey; they are the sunlit dreams that fuel their commitment to self-discovery and growth. As coaches, it’s a privilege to witness and honor the depth of these aspirations, appreciating the unique radiance each client brings to their coaching journey.

The Faith Clients Place in Us:

I think that this quote also underscores the implicit trust clients place in us as guides. They reveal their highest aspirations, vulnerable and hopeful, seeking our support in navigating the path ahead. Sometimes its a revelation to themselves at the same time that they share with you. Recognizing the sacred nature of this trust invites us to approach coaching with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to fostering an environment where these aspirations can flourish.

The Journey of Belief:

The coaching journey for many is about possibility — the belief in the possibility of reaching those faraway aspirations. As a coach for me its not just about the destination but providing support on the route there, because the journey itself can be transformative. It’s the collective endeavor to follow where aspirations lead, embracing the growth, learning, and self-discovery along the way.

Opening the Discussion:

Now, it’s your turn. How does Alcott’s quote resonate with your coaching practice? How do you navigate between aspirations, desires, and goals with your clients? Is there a difference for you? Share your thoughts, experiences, 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.

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 provides here.