This was originally written in 2011, published in the weekly Coaching Confidence email update.

What can you learn from climbing out of a 5th story window?

I walked into a room recently where the TV was playing in the background. On the screen was a picture of a man climbing out of a 5th story window. Wearing climbing gear he was attached safely to a harness and rope. He was obviously nervous about taking those first steps and had an expert beside him to support him climb up the outside of the building.

Immediately after he had successfully leaned out and trusted the rope he made a comment that had me reaching for a pen and paper.

What was this comment? “It’s the moment of commitment that makes all the difference.” Something that in my experience is true not just in climbing and abseiling.

Perhaps you have seen it in your own coaching clients as well as yourself – that moment of commitment to a goal, project or dream. I know I have.

While there are several things and reasons that can get in the way of someone progressing with what they want, the act of commitment towards that can make a huge difference to how any other obstacles are tackled.

There is a quote, often miss-accredited to Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, that sums up the impact that commitment can make:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.” (William H Murray)

Personally, I am currently committed to creating a specific training program. It’s something that I first had an idea for 2 years ago yet it was only when I made that commitment to turn all those many ideas into reality that it has begun to seriously take form.

This week I invite you to make a commitment to something that you want, either connected to you personal life or as a coach. If it will aid you to confirm that commitment feel free to share that with me by commenting below.

I am also prepared to offer complimentary From Non-coach to Coach Discovery sessions. I can only offer as many of these sessions as my schedule allows so these will be assigned on a first requested basis.

From Non-coach to Coach Discovery sessions are designed for individuals at the beginning of their coaching journey, if you are wanting to make a commitment to becoming a coach or starting your own coaching business then click here to find out more and to schedule your session before they all go.

Love

Jen

PS The link to book a complimentary From Non-Coach to Coach Discovery session is here