resilience

Finding Resilience: Lessons from Queen Victoria’s Wisdom

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / perspective / Queen Victoria / quote / resilience / wisdom
This image is split into two halves. On the left is a empty great hall with columns around the edges and giant arched windows behind a stage. All the lights are shining fully and seats either side of an aisle are all facing towards the stage. The image on the right is of an office with a sindle desk with an empty chir in front of a computer. Papers and files are pilled everwhere , including on the floor and some of the boxes on shelves are stacked haphazardly. The text reads: "Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves." (Queen Victoria)

Happy Thursday! Today’s quote is:

“Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.” (Queen Victoria)

In what seems to many as today’s fast-paced world, where the constant barrage of information and stimuli can overwhelm even the most resilient among us, Queen Victoria’s words offer a timeless reminder of the power of perspective and resilience. Let us delve deeper into the wisdom encapsulated in this profound statement and explore how it can inform our approach to navigating the ups and downs of life.

At first glance, Queen Victoria’s assertion may seem paradoxical. How can someone remain serene and composed in the face of significant events while being easily perturbed by minor inconveniences? Yet, upon closer examination, her words reveal a profound truth about human nature: our responses to external circumstances are shaped by our internal perceptions and thinking.

Stormy seas

Consider the metaphor of a ship navigating through stormy seas. During moments of great turmoil and upheaval, when the waves are crashing against the hull and the winds are howling, the captain must remain steadfast and focused. It is in these moments of crisis that calmness and clarity of mind are most crucial, guiding the ship safely through the tempest. All the Captains attention is on focusing upon what is happening in that moment – there is little room to get caught up in thinking around other things or even what may happen in any time but the immediate future.

In much the same way, when confronted with major life events or challenges, we are called upon to summon our inner strength and resilience. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a career setback, or a global crisis, maintaining a sense of quietude and calm can help us weather the storm with grace and dignity. It’s not uncommon for individuals to report, after experiencing a significant event, that they operated almost instinctively, without overthinking. This suggests that in moments of crisis, our natural response is to prioritise immediate action over complex thought processes – just focus upon that one thing in front of you.

Trifles

On the other hand, it is often the trifles—the things we can think of as petty annoyances and minor inconveniences—that have the power to unravel our composure and apparently disturb our peace of mind. From the frustration of being stuck in traffic to the irritation of a malfunctioning device, these seemingly insignificant disturbances can seem to chip away at our patience and resilience. We can get caught in loops of thinking, piling meaning and stories upon how we think about the original circumstance so that we end up feeling totally overwhelmed by our own thinking.

Perspective

So, what can we learn from Queen Victoria’s words, and how can we apply it to our own lives? One key insight is the importance of perspective. By recognizing the relative insignificance of trifles in the grand scheme of things, we can choose to respond to them with equanimity rather than allowing them to dictate our emotional state.

One way you could do that is by using that feeling of overwhelm as a type of alarm clock if you like, a reminder that any moment we can relax our metaphorical grip on all the pile of thinking we have going on and let that just evaporate so we can just see that original circumstance for what it is without all the extra baggage of story telling and thinking.

Resilience

Moreover, Queen Victoria’s words remind us of the power of resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. It’s often said that kids can bounce back so much faster from things than adults and I’d like to suggest that this is because we are all born with that ability, we just often get into the habbit of overthinking that we forget that at any moment we can relax back into that space of inner wisdom where it seems resilence comes from.

In essence, Queen Victoria’s quote serves as a poignant reminder of the value of maintaining perspective and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. By embracing her wisdom, we can cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos and navigate the journey of life with grace, dignity, and fortitude.

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.

Navigating the Uphill Climb with Resilience: The Wisdom of William Shakespeare for Coaches

 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

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.