present

Simplicity: Discovering the Real Meaning of Things

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Constantin Brâncuși / now / present / quote / simplicity / Thought / truth
The image features a background of soft yellow and light green tones, evoking the feeling of a sunny autumn day. On the left, a thin branch extends, holding several leaves in various autumn shades of orange, yellow, and green. The quote by Constantin Brâncuși is displayed in black text on the right:"Simplicity is not a goal, but one arrives at simplicity in spite of oneself, as one approaches the real meaning of things."

The quote of the day is:

“Simplicity is not a goal, but one arrives at simplicity in spite of oneself, as one approaches the real meaning of things.” (Constantin Brâncuși)

Constantin Brâncuși, one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, believed in stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence of his subjects. For me, his words point to simplicity isn’t something we chase; it’s what remains when we peel back the layers and connect with deeper truths. These truths aren’t always hidden—they’re often right in front of us. Yet, in our rush to understand and solve, we sometimes overlook them.

In coaching and personal growth, I often think of an insight as seeing something new—a fresh understanding or perspective. Sometimes, it’s subtle, like noticing a different way of responding to a familiar situation. Other times, it feels profound, as though the whole structure of my understanding has shifted. What’s consistent, though, is this: the closer I get to these deeper truths about how we function as human beings, the more I find myself saying, “Oh, it can be even simpler than I was making it.”

The Deeper Truths Beneath Complexity

Life can feel complicated, and it’s easy to assume that complexity is inherent to solving problems or making progress. But when I look more closely, I often see that complexity is something I’ve added—through layers of overthinking, analysing, or trying to control outcomes I’ve no way of actually being able to control. Beneath that complexity lies something far simpler: the deeper truths that govern how we experience life.

As I see it, one of these truths is that our thoughts create our experience of our reality. What I mean by that, is that our experience isn’t determined by circumstances themselves, but by how we interpret them. This understanding doesn’t just simplify life—it transforms it. Suddenly, I don’t have to fix everything in the outside world to feel at peace. Instead, I can look inward, look to the underlying quiet and recognise that clarity often comes when I stop wrestling with my thoughts.

The Present Moment as a Gateway

Another truth I’ve seen is that simplicity often arises when I’m present—when I’m here, in this moment, instead of lost in stories about the past or projections about the future. Being present allows me to step outside the loops of mental effort and see life as it is, without the filters of worry or judgment. In this space, the unnecessary drops away, revealing what truly matters.

And here’s the paradox: the intellect, as useful as it is, often makes things more complicated in its attempts to solve or control. But when I’m present, I’m no longer relying solely on intellect. I’m tapping into a deeper intelligence, an innate wisdom —one that works effortlessly, providing insights and solutions that feel obvious in hindsight. This is where the real meaning of things often becomes clear.

Simplicity and the Real Meaning of Things

Simplicity, then, isn’t something to be forced or achieved. It’s what emerges naturally when we align with these deeper truths. It’s the clarity that comes from understanding how our minds work and from being present with life as it unfolds. This doesn’t mean life is always easy or straightforward. Challenges and uncertainties are part of the human experience. But even in those moments, simplicity is available—not as a goal, but as a by-product of seeing life more clearly.

So today, I invite you to pause and reflect: What truths about life or yourself might already be present, waiting to be uncovered? Where might you be adding complexity that isn’t needed? And what might you see differently if you allowed yourself to step back and simply be?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.

What Is A Good Example To Set In Coaching?

 in quote  tagged authenticity / coach / coaches / coaching / Good example / present / quote / thomas fuller
An off-white creamy coloured background material. A large embroidered green letter A is in the top right of the image. A blue flower is positioned where the horizontal bar of the A meets the right hand downward line, small purple flowers are sewn so they wrap around the left hand over the top curve of the letter and starting down the right hand side. The rest of the text reads: [A] good example is the best Sermon (Thomas Fuller)

Today’s quote is:

“A good example is the best Sermon.” (Thomas Fuller)

When you coach, are you ever aware of wanting to set a good example? I’m quite prepared to believe that this is something I’m more aware about because of who I generally work with. I have many conversations with those who are just starting out as coaches and are finding their own style and voice. Certainly, when I first started working with this group, I was more conscious about the structure of a session etc because one of the reasons they were coming was to experience coaching from a clients’ perspective, and I wanted to set a good example of questioning etc.

Over time, two things happened. First, so much of those skills I had been focusing upon that it became second nature. The second was that I came to see that the more present I am in a session and respond to the actual person in front of me, as opposed to any thinking I have predicting how they may react to a question etc, then that had a much bigger impact than having the perfectly structured question etc.

I still occasionally think about setting a good example, but it’s from a different perspective. The more I live from this place, the more I see, then I just feel more authentic when talking to clients. I find that it helps a client to be honest with their answers if I am with mine – if they’re asking about something I’ve not looked at in any depth I’ve been known to say a variation of “I don’t know, shall we look together.” I’m also human, so if they’re sharing that they’ve had insecure thinking I’ve been known to say,

I think at some stage I thought that a good example was to be perfect – and that meant never having any insecure thinking, never feeling uncertain, always feeling confident and certain etc. Never feeling pressure and feeling stressed obviously meant I was failing.

I’d missed that that all came from the fact that as humans, we experience our thinking – and rather than having to go after every negative thought and change that, that looking above that to the nature of thought gives new perspective. It allows for any feeling of pressure or stress to act like an alarm call just to show my thinking is revved up right now. Or when I recognise insecure thinking, it can be a signal to pause and reflect rather than react impulsively. This shift in perspective has been transformative not only in my coaching practice but in my personal life as well.

When we coach, whether it’s in a formal session or an informal conversation, our example speaks volumes. Clients often look to us not just for guidance, but also for inspiration. They observe how we navigate challenges, how we handle uncertainty, and how we show up authentically in our interactions. In embracing our humanity and vulnerability, we give permission for others to do the same.

Setting a good example isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity and integrity. It’s about showing up as our true selves, flaws and all, and being willing to learn and grow alongside our clients. When we acknowledge our limitations and embrace our humanity, we create a space for genuine connection and empathy. I don’t know about you, but when I am a client, one of the things I choose my coaches based upon is that human connection. I don’t expect them to be perfect. In fact, it’s a great relief when they share what’s real for them.

Moreover, leading by example isn’t just about what we do; it’s also about how we are. Our presence, our energy, and our intentions shape the coaching dynamic in profound ways. When we approach our work with curiosity, compassion, and openness, we invite our clients to do the same.

I’m often reluctant to share the next piece of advice because I’m conscious that from a cynical perspective, this can look like a sales pitch. However, for me, investing the time and energy in having coaching conversations as a client allows me to speak from a more authentic place when talking to others about the benefits of coaching.

As Thomas Fuller reminds us, “A good example is the best Sermon.” In our role as coaches, we have the privilege and responsibility of being that example for our clients. By living our truth, embracing our humanity, and embodying the principles we teach, we inspire others to do the same. In doing so, we not only empower our clients to create positive change in their lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and resilient world.

So the next time you coach, remember the power of your example. Be authentic, be present, and be true to yourself. Your example may just be the best Sermon your clients ever receive. I leave you with an invitation to consider the example you want to set with your coaching. Your coaching style may differ from mine, so your answers may vary. Is that example serving you and your clients?

About Jen Waller

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.

Seizing Opportunity: Discovering Hidden Gems in Daily Life

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach) / opportunity / present / quote
On the left there is a black and white photo of Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach. It was taken around 1900 when she would have been around 60 years old. She is wearing a dark coloured embellished Victorian blouse with what looks like a lace stiyle detailing in a v shaped across the front. Her hair is fastened back and she is looking straight at the camera. As is fairly typical for such photos of this type she is not smiling. The text to the right reads: "Nothing is so often and so irrevocably missed as the opportunity which crops up daily." (Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach)

Happy Tuesday! Today’s quote is:

“Nothing is so often and so irrevocably missed as the opportunity which crops up daily.” (Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach)

The thing that struck me about this quote is how often we can miss what is right in front of us. It’s not just opportunities but things that we just don’t think to question because it is so normal to us.

Our brain may highlight something that is out of the norm, causing us to consciously notice it. However, we may overlook the things that blend into the background.

In what can seem our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the small, seemingly insignificant moments that present themselves each day. We get caught up in the routines and demands of daily life, often failing to pause and consider the possibilities that lie within each moment. Yet, as Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach reminds us, these daily opportunities, however subtle they may seem, can have a profound impact on our lives if we’re willing to recognize and seize them.

Consider the moments in your own life where you may have missed opportunities simply because you were too preoccupied or distracted to notice them. Perhaps it was a chance encounter with a potential mentor, a new idea that sparked your curiosity, or a small act of kindness that went unnoticed. These missed opportunities may seem insignificant at the time, but they could have led to new paths, insights, or connections if only we had been more attentive.

This isn’t a post to give you yet another opportunity to mentally beat yourself up – many of us are already very good at that and I’m going to invite you to give yourself a break about that. So, how can we become more attuned to the opportunities that crop up daily? By slowing down and being present in each moment, as best you can, we can train ourselves to notice the subtle cues and possibilities that surround us.

You’ve probably noticed that when you’re feeling pressured, when your brain is busy overthinking and stressed, then your focus is elsewhere and it’s easy to miss small and regular details. When you’re more present it may mean being open to new experiences, being curious about the world around us, and being willing to step outside of our comfort zones.

Additionally, being open to challenge our assumptions and question the status quo can make a difference. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way or the best way. By questioning the norms and exploring alternative perspectives, we create space for innovation and growth.

Ultimately, embracing the opportunities that present themselves daily requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks. It means being open to the unknown and trusting in our ability to adapt and learn from each experience. So, as you go about your day today, I encourage you to keep an eye out for those subtle opportunities that may be waiting just around the corner. Who knows what possibilities they may hold?

This quote is a powerful reminder of the opportunities we often overlook in our daily lives. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and ignore the chances that life provides us to grow, learn, and make a difference, however small it might be. Let’s make an effort to seize those moments, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember, every opportunity is a stepping stone towards creating a better version of ourselves and a brighter future. Have a wonderful day everyone!

About Jen Waller

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.

Coaches and Money: 7 breakthroughs to help the money flow in 2015

 in Guest Post  tagged beliefs / business / Helen Collier / help / journaling / money / niche / present

In the first guest post of the new year money coach Helen Collier focuses upon:

Coaches and Money:

7 breakthroughs to help the money flow in 2015.

By Helen Collier

"Coaches and Money 7 breakthroughs to help the money flow in 2015." BY Helen Collier

My MacAfee Vulnerability Scanner has just popped up and told me it has found two new programme updates I need to install to keep my laptop running optimally.

How useful would it be if we had the equivalent of an internal money vulnerability scanner, that automatically scanned every 24 hours? Installed to spot what needs up dating and what needs binning to keep ourselves and our money life running optimally? More importantly it then goes on to make the necessary changes to get us back in tip top condition.

In the absence of our own personal ‘app’ it’s down to us to hone our own ability to look both internally and externally at ourselves and adjust as necessary.

2014 has been a year of big breakthroughs for me personally. Looking back I see how I have been scanning my installed money mind-set as I prepared to take my money coaching practice to the next level of success. Some of it is new learning, other parts simply deeper learning and some of it came with the ‘Durr!!’ moment. ‘How have I not seen these things!!?!’

7 breakthroughs to help the money flow.  In no particular order.

  1. This year I have had many conversations with women who outwardly ooze confidence and composure and yet underneath they were squirming with dread and embarrassment about money. Suddenly there was my niche right in front of me, these very women. In fact they had been there all the time but I simply hadn’t seen them. Since discovering this niche I’m focused and my client list has increased. I know who I am talking to when I write, when I am out giving talks, when I go out networking.

Action

 

Action: Find your Niche

 

  1. Find those things that keep you stuck. What are those big beliefs and assumptions that keep you stuck? I’ve discovered some great material this year developed by Keegan and Lahy called ‘Immunity to Change’ It provides a great structure for understanding why sometimes our best intentioned progress is held back almost by having the foot on the brake at the same time as trying to accelerate.   It’s one I knew well. It described my resistance perfectly. A belief that went something like. ‘I have to resist because if I don’t I’m going to lose control then something (unspecified) really bad will happen.’  The thing is this resistance in itself was very generalised and it was preventing my money flowing.

Action

 

Action: Find those big beliefs and assumptions that keep you stuck and test them for accuracy

 

  1. It’s important to pay attention to the practical side of money in your business. I’ve always known this, I don’t always do it but this year I’ve put some really simple systems in place that have helped me easily stay in control of my cash flow. I know when it comes to doing my tax return next week I’ve got everything I need at hand to do it. Andi Lonnen has just published a great little book called ‘Be fabulous at Finance’ which is well worth buying.

Action

 

Action: Pay attention to the practical side of money in your business.

 

  1. Getting down to your own deep layers of assumptions is like peeling the layers of an onion; it may well come with tears but that’s when you know you’ve hit on something and if you keep peeling you eventually get to the sweet spot. I’ve long known that I am the mistress of creating a smoke screen. Setting up elaborate psychological screens to prevent me from doing that which I say I want to do. This year I have finally outed a real big one for me. I’ve not got to the sweet spot yet. ‘If I make a success of my business then I will be exposed as a fraud’ is sitting on my desk as I work. I do cringe as I type. It throws up the one Brene Brown has been talking about, vulnerability. What will people think? What will people say when they hear this? This though is what my clients experience when they take that first step to talking about themselves and their money. I owe it to my clients to continue working through my own personal money issues so that I can be cleaner and clearer in my interactions with them

Action

 

Action: Be prepared to feel vulnerable in order to be in a clearer, cleaner place for your clients

 

  1. Writing as a way of gaining understanding, clarity and perspective. I encourage my clients to keep a journal in order to explore their relationship with money and keep track of their progress. My own writing this year has taken on a whole new perspective as I have explored my own spirituality and where money fits into this picture. It’s been sumptuous spilling my innermost thoughts onto paper. I have created a module on money journaling for clients and included topics for exploration.

Action

 

Action: Consider using journaling as a tool to help you understand your own money life and to help you make peace with your own money story.

 

  1. I finally asked for help. I had a huge assumption running through me that said ‘I should be able to do this. I am supposed to be the expert, if I ask for help people will think I’m a fraud’ (notice that fraud thing popping up again!). It kept me quietly and privately battling with my own demons. It also kept me very safely and frustratingly going around in circles. I’ve engaged a business coach. She’s very different from me and has a very different style but she has helped to plug a gap and has helped me to keep focused on moving forward in my business. Crazy as it now seems I imagined she was going to laugh at me and criticise me when in fact she said ‘Helen, what is stopping you, this sounds great!’ Hugely motivating.

Action

 

Action: Don’t be afraid to ask for the help that you need to move your business forward

 

  1. My biggest breakthrough of the year has undoubtedly been completing my 60th year on the planet, getting grand parented for the first time and discovering that both these are huge blessings rather than things to be feared! Bizarrely it has given me more focus in my business. I concentrate better. I don’t spend as much time drifting into the cyber world and amazingly have more time! Which means that when I am with my granddaughter I am truly with her, not thinking I should be doing something else.

Action

 

Action: Concentrate on the here and now and count your blessings.

 

Here’s to a prosperous and peaceful 2015.

 

About Helen Collier

Helen Collier is a money coach working with bright, smart women who are tired of squirming with dread and fear about their money. She trained with the Money Coaching Institute in California. Helen developed Harmoney as a direct response to her growing disquiet that something was out of balance in the financial world. She set an intention to play her part by supporting people to put money in its rightful place in their lives, no more, no less. Helen writes a weekly column for the Yorkshire Evening News and blogs regularly.

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Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helencollier

Website: www.harmoneylife.co.uk