Sir John Lubbock


Waiting in Peace: Cultivating Patience on the Coaching Journey

This is a dreamlike image of a tranquil sandy beach and calm clear blue sea. The sun is shining and in the foreground to the right 6 smooth stones are balanced in size order on top of one another .
The text reads: "When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace." - Sir John Lubbock

Happy Sunday! Today’s quote is:

“When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.” (Sir John Lubbock)

In whats often reffered to as a fast-paced world, where instant gratification often reigns supreme, the concept of waiting for results in peace may seem counterintuitive. However, if you coach from an inside out perspective, Sir John Lubbock’s words offer invaluable insights into the power of patience and trust in the coaching journey.

As coaches, our role is to guide and support our clients as they navigate their personal and professional challenges. We may offer strategies, insights, and encouragement to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. Yet, despite our best efforts, there comes a point where we must relinquish control and allow the process to unfold naturally.

This quote serves as a poignant reminder that after exerting our utmost effort, we must entrust the process and await the outcome with a sense of peace. It doesn’t entail passive inaction or idleness; rather, it entails seeking inner calm and serenity, acknowledging that we’ve fulfilled our part and allowing the universe to unfold as it should.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t imply a stagnation of personal growth or development; it simply means recognising that we’ve given our best in the present moment. It doesn’t mean you can never improve your skills or understanding further to make quicker and greater impact. It’s about honoring your current best without feeling constrained by it indefinitely

This concept aligns with the understanding that our experience of reality is created from the inside-out. Our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions shape our reality, and when we’re able to cultivate a sense of peace within ourselves, we invite that peace to permeate our external circumstances.

So how can we, as coaches, embody this principle in our practice?

First and foremost, it’s about cultivating a deep sense of trust in the coaching process. Trust that our clients have the innate wisdom and resilience to navigate their challenges. Trust that the insights and breakthroughs will emerge in their own time. And trust that, as coaches, we are merely facilitators in their journey towards growth and self-discovery – it’s not our job to produce answers ourselves.

Secondly, it’s about embracing patience as a guiding principle in our coaching practice. Instead of rushing to find solutions or fix problems, we can create space for our clients to explore, reflect, and uncover their own answers. This requires us to resist the urge to intervene or provide immediate solutions and instead allow our clients the freedom to discover their own truth.

Finally, it’s about embodying a sense of peace and presence in our coaching interactions. When we approach our work with a calm and grounded presence, we create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. This sense of peace not only benefits our clients by fostering deeper connections and trust, but as an added bonus it also transforms outcomes for us as coaches. By embodying peace, we may notice a positive difference in our own perspective and the overall coaching experience.

In conclusion, Sir John Lubbock’s quote reminds us that as coaches, our role is not to control or dictate outcomes but rather to trust in the inherent wisdom of the coaching process. By embracing patience, trust, and peace in our practice, we can create profound opportunities for growth, transformation, and self-discovery for ourselves and our clients alike.

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.


Embracing Rest: The Importance of Downtime for Coaches

A empty green bench is in the bottom left corner surrounded by green grass and a couple of trees on the edge in the foreground. In the distance is a stretch of blue water with a distant tree line on the far bank. The sky is blue with fluffy white clouds.
The text reads: "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time" (Sir John Lubbock)

Today’s quote is:

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time” (Sir John Lubbock)

As coaches, we’re accustomed to giving our all to support others in their personal and professional growth. We’re often passionate about our work and dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. But in our quest to empower others, we mustn’t overlook the importance of caring for and listening to ourselves.

Rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being and effectiveness as coaches. Here are a few reasons why embracing rest is essential:

  • Renewed Energy: Just as our clients need breaks to recharge and refocus, so do we. Taking time to rest allows us to replenish our energy reserves and approach our coaching sessions with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Rest provides space for our minds to wander and explore new ideas. When we give ourselves permission to step away from our work, we create opportunities for inspiration and innovation to flourish.
  • Improved Focus: Constant busyness can lead to burnout and diminished cognitive function. By prioritising rest, we can sharpen our focus and attention, enabling us to be more present and engaged in our coaching sessions.
  • Stress Reduction: Many find the demands of coaching and running a business can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Incorporating regular periods of rest into our routine can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

So, how can we embrace rest in our busy lives as coaches?

  • Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like any other important appointment in your calendar. Block off time for relaxation and leisure activities, whether it’s a leisurely walk in nature, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Prioritise self-care and honour your need for rest, even if it means disappointing others temporarily. I often find setting expectations at the start of working with someone helps – For example I ensure that clients know I reply to emails within 48 hours – usually much faster but there will be times when I’m not reachable every moment of the day. It may be that you are happy to be “on call” 24/7, it’s just not something that works with my other commitments – and its easier to be transparent about that up-front. Any client that is looking for that level of support and its a deal breaker then I’m not the coach for them – I feel its better for us both to find that out quickly.
  • Listen to yourself: We spend a lot of time in coach trainings looking at listening to others – how much do you actually listen to yourself? What do you want to do right now? What do you know to do?
  • Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or fellow coaches, having a strong support network can help you navigate the challenges of coaching while prioritizing your well-being. You don’t have to do everything on your own!

In conclusion, rest is not a luxury reserved for the idle; it’s an essential component of a healthy and balanced life. As coaches, it’s important to honor our need for rest and relaxation, recognizing that it’s not only beneficial for our own well-being but also essential for our effectiveness in supporting others. So, let’s embrace rest as a valuable tool for self-care and recharge our batteries so we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our 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.