“The cobbler always wears the worst shoes.” (Proverb)
Questions For Coaches:
As a coach, how do you describe the work that you do? How do you apply that to your own life?
When was the last time you had a coaching conversation where you are the client?
How do you recognise areas in your life where you might be neglecting your own needs while helping others?
How do you ensure that your professional skills and knowledge are up-to-date?
Bonus Questions:
How do you prioritise your own business development while maintaining high-quality service for clients?
How can you model self-care for your clients?
Do you guide clients in balancing self-care with caring for others, if so, how do you describe that?
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 kind word could you share with yourself right now?
How do you perceive the impact of kind words on your mood and outlook?
What role do kind words play in your daily interactions and relationships?
If you were honest, what would area of your life would grow more if you allowed yourself to be kinder with yourself?
Is there something you’re afraid would/wouldn’t happen if you were kinder?
Bonus Questions
What is the difference, if any, between kind words and the Truth?
How do kind words influence your motivation and drive?
How do kind words impact your state of mind and overall well-being?
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.
If you had a golden key, what would you use it for?
How do you interpret the metaphor of a “golden key” in relation to unlocking the potential of your clients?
How do your values and beliefs influence the doors you choose to open or keep closed?
What would your typical client say they want a golden key for?
Bonus Questions
As you reflect on your coaching journey so far, what doors have you already opened, and what doors do you still hope to unlock?
What do you do to help clients overcome resistance or fear when faced with the prospect of opening new doors?
How do you continue to hone your coaching skills and deepen your understanding of the keys that unlock transformative change for your 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.
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” (proverb)
Questions For Coaches:
What would strengthening the entire chain of your experience look like for you?
Do you do anything that facilitates open and honest discussions about areas of perceived weakness without judgment or shame?
How do you interpret the proverb “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” within the context of coaching?
Bonus Questions:
What coaching exercises or interventions that help clients identify and strengthen their areas of perceived weakness?
Can you reflect on instances where addressing the weakest link has led to significant breakthroughs in your coaching practice?
How does the proverb “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” influence your ongoing development as a coach?
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.
“A sheep can not bleat in two different places at the same time.” (proverb)
It’s often said that in today’s modern world, finding focus amidst the cacophony of demands and distractions can feel like an elusive goal. This proverb speaks directly to the challenge of maintaining singular focus—a challenge that many coaches and their clients can grapple with on a daily basis.
If our thoughts and perceptions shape our reality, influencing how we perceive and respond to the world around us, how does that relate to this proverb? When we find ourselves overwhelmed by distractions or pulled in multiple directions, it may seem natural to attribute it to external factors. However, could it be a sign that our thinking has become fragmented, leading to a loss of focus and effectiveness?
Many of us have experienced moments of intense focus, where our attention is wholly absorbed in a single task. You’ve probably can think of an example when you were really focused upon a task at hand and oblivious to what else was going on around you. Maybe you got engrossed in a film or TV show, got lost in the story of a good book, or were just concentrating so hard on a project that time seem to fly by?
If you haven’t already seen the video below used in Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris 1999 research into selective attention – you’re welcome to watch and follow the instructions on the screen.
The metaphor of the sheep unable to bleat in two different places simultaneously serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of single-pointed focus. Just as a sheep cannot divide its attention between multiple locations, neither can we divide our focus and energy without sacrificing clarity and effectiveness. By understanding the role of thought in shaping our experience, coaches can learn to cultivate a sense of presence and concentration that allows them to show up fully for their clients.
In coaching, maintaining focus is not just about managing external distractions—it’s also about cultivating a deep sense of presence and connection with our clients. When we show up fully for our clients, listening deeply and responding with empathy and understanding, we create a space for transformation and growth to occur.
One of the things that I have found with a greater understanding that our experience is created through the power of thought, is that I no longer spend anywhere near as much time feeling a need to wrestle with my thoughts or try to control them. Instead, I can simply observe my thoughts as they arise, recognising them far quicker for what they are—transient mental events that do not define who we are. Does it mean I never get caught up in a compelling thought (or whole chunks of thinking as a compelling story)? No, it’s just I tend to not take much of the thinking I used to far less seriously than before.
As coaches, we can help our clients recognise the impact of their own thinking on their experience of life. By guiding them to explore the nature of thought and its role in shaping their reality, we empower them to find greater clarity, resilience, and focus in their lives.
So what do you do as a coach if you feel before that your focus is split? I remember when I first started out in coaching, I used to think that there would be a set answer to this question – and this and variations of this question I considered a lot! Many years later, I’m going to start this by saying what I have principle learned from my own experience and talking to other coaches is that it will depend. There is no right or wrong answers here – just ones that will make an impact for you in that moment!
Perhaps there are things that you know that when you do them you seem to have a better day – perhaps it’s a morning cup of coffee or taking the dog for a walk. Maybe it’s allowing yourself time to take a moment just to focus on your breath, or you have a particular book you flick through and whatever page you land on seems to have a significant message for you. Sometimes you may just remember to ask yourself a question such as what would let you become even more focused right now? or to just do whatever occurs to you to quieten and drop your thinking.
In conclusion, the proverb “A sheep cannot bleat in two different places at the same time” underscores the importance of single-pointed focus and presence in coaching. By creating a space for deep listening, understanding, and transformation to occur, our clients can benefit from our full presence. Let us, as coaches, embody the power of presence, knowing that it is through our focused attention that true connection and growth can unfold in our coaching relationships
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.
“A hippopotamus can be made invisible in dark waters.” (African proverb)
It seems like basic common sense that if you are in the habitat of a dangerous wild animal, then it is wise to be aware and respectful of their potential presence. I have a healthy respect for hippopotamus’ but I’m no expert, so for me, it was how this proverb could also apply to coaching that prompted me to write this post.
This ancient saying resonates deeply with the essence of coaching, for me, as it offers insights into the unseen aspects of human experience. While it may initially evoke images of the dangers lurking in ignorance of one’s physical surroundings, it also holds a profound metaphorical meaning for our coaching practice.
I interpret this proverb as a metaphor for the hidden forces that influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Just as a hippopotamus vanishes beneath the surface of dark waters, so too can our deepest fears, insecurities, and potential remain concealed from view. In coaching, we often uncover hidden beliefs and thinking; when clients have an insight and suddenly recognize thoughts or beliefs they hadn’t consciously acknowledged before. These insights can profoundly and immediately impact their behaviour and perspective.
In coaching, we often embark on journeys to uncover these hidden aspects of ourselves and our clients. We navigate the murky depths of the mind, shedding light on the shadows that lurk within. Through open dialogue and introspection, we assist our clients in exploring these unseen forces, guiding them towards greater self-awareness and understanding.
However, the resonance of this proverb extends beyond its literal interpretation. It speaks to the power of perception and the illusion of reality. Like the hippopotamus fading into obscurity in the darkness, our perceived problems and limitations can dissolve when viewed through the lens of understanding.
As coaches, we help our clients see beyond the surface appearances of their circumstances. We invite them to delve beneath the waves of their thoughts and emotions, uncovering the deeper truths that lie hidden beneath. By illuminating the unseen forces at play, we empower our clients to navigate the waters of change with clarity and confidence.
But how do we make the invisible visible? How do we guide our clients in seeing beyond the surface of their experiences? It begins with a shift in perspective—a willingness to look beyond the superficial and embrace a deeper understanding of reality. As coaches, we serve as guides, illuminating the path ahead and helping our clients discern the unseen forces that shape their lives.
Through deep listening, compassionate inquiry, and our own understanding, we create a safe space for exploration and discovery. We encourage our clients to trust in their intuition and wisdom, guiding them towards insights and breakthroughs that lead to profound transformation.
In conclusion, the proverb “A hippopotamus can be made invisible in dark waters” offers a poignant reminder of the unseen forces that shape our lives. As coaches, we have the privilege of shedding light on these hidden truths, guiding our clients towards greater self-awareness and understanding. By embracing the unseen depths of coaching, we empower our clients to navigate the waters of change with clarity, confidence, and courage.
I’m curious, presuming that you read the title of this post before the actual content – what answers did you have in your head about what could possibly be a connection between invisible hippopotamus’ and coaching? Feel free to drop any thoughts in 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.
“A hen is heavy over a long distance.” (Irish proverb)
At first glance, when we take this proverb literally, it makes sense that if we carry anything over a long period of time then it does indeed seem to get heavier.
The first memory that sprang to my mind was from when I used to walk an elderly small dog. On one occasion, she decided she was tired and had had enough of this stroll. Which meant I ended up carrying her back home down the road. She was delighting in this regal treatment, and insisting she paused to let anyone passing admire her at this new vantage height. The road usually seemed like a short stretch, but she seemed to get heavier, and the road longer, the longer I carried her!
At its core, the Irish proverb “A hen is heavy over a long distance” offers profound wisdom that extends far beyond the literal interpretation. It speaks to the weightiness that accumulates with prolonged carrying or holding onto something, whether physical or mental.
Reflecting on my experience of carrying the elderly dog down the road, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the burdens we carry in our minds. Just as the dog seemed to grow heavier with each step, our thoughts, especially the repetitive ones, can weigh us down over time. These thoughts, often labelled as beliefs, have a way of becoming heavier and more burdensome the longer we hold onto them.
In coaching, we recognize that beliefs are not static truths, but rather habitual patterns of thought that we’ve given significance to. They can shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviours, influencing our experience of reality. However, the beauty of the human mind is its innate capacity for fluidity and change.
When we begin to see our thoughts for what they are—transient mental events rather than concrete realities—we open the door to freedom and transformation. Just as the dog became lighter once I put her down, our burdensome thoughts lose their weight when we release our grip on them.
It’s a simple yet profound shift in perspective: from being controlled by our thoughts to recognizing that we are the thinkers engaging with them. This realization empowers us to let go of unhelpful beliefs and embrace a lighter, more fluid way of being.
So how do we release the weight of heavy thoughts? It starts with awareness. By becoming mindful that even though our thinking can seem so real at times, it has an illusory nature, we can observe them without getting entangled in them. We can choose to step back and question the validity of our beliefs, recognizing that they are simply mental constructs, not immutable truths.
In the coaching process, we guide our clients in this journey of self-discovery and liberation. We help them see beyond the illusion of their heavy thoughts, encouraging them to explore new perspectives and possibilities. Through compassionate inquiry and gentle guidance, we support them in letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of openness and curiosity.
Sometimes, the act of letting go happens spontaneously, like a heavy burden slipping off our shoulders when we least expect it. Other times, it requires patience and persistence as we gradually loosen our grip on ingrained patterns of thought. But with each moment of release, we experience a newfound sense of lightness and freedom.
In essence, the proverb “A hen is heavy over a long distance” serves as a poignant reminder to examine the weight of our thoughts and beliefs. By acknowledging their transient nature and cultivating a mindset of openness and fluidity, we can lighten the load we carry and move through life with greater ease and joy.
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.
“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.
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