Today’s quote of the day:

“Perhaps, after all, there is something in the theory that only the ultra-busy can find time for everything.” (James Agate)

As coaches, this quote invites us to explore the intricate balance between managing a myriad of tasks and finding time for personal growth and development. Let’s unravel the layers of this thought-provoking statement and consider its implications for our coaching practice.

Coaching the Ultra-Busy:

If you have a coaching niche, you might find yourself working with individuals who juggle a multitude of responsibilities yet somehow manage to carve out time for their own development. On the flip side, some clients may come to you precisely because they feel they don’t have enough time, and they seek support in navigating the complexities of their busy lives.

Then there is the aspect of you as a business owner – are you trying to juggle everything yourself? Is that a conscious choice or because you think it is how it “should” be done?

Support Systems and Delegation:

From my observations those who consider themselves ultra-busy often have support teams and systems in place. This is a crucial aspect to ponder as coaches. Are our clients thriving in their busyness because they have effective support structures, or are they struggling to manage everything on their own? Exploring this dynamic can uncover opportunities for coaching interventions. I find that sometimes cclients will be very open about if they are struggling, whilst others may feel a sense of shame and not be as open to admitting that – to themselves as much as to you, especially if you are in the early stages of your coaching relationship.

The Illusion of Busyness:

Another facet illuminated by the quote is the illusion of busyness. Some individuals who perceive themselves as ultra-busy may spend a considerable amount of time in mental gymnastics—trying to work things out in their heads. The repetitiveness of this internal struggle can become a barrier to progress and growth. As coaches, we have the opportunity to guide clients towards more effective and sustainable approaches to time management and decision-making. Not to mention freeing on mental space to access their own wisdom rather than constantly worrying at a specific issue like a dog with a bone.

Recognizing Human Limits:

While the ultra-busy may seem superhuman in their ability to manage multiple tasks, it’s essential to remember that even they have human limitations. The quote serves as a gentle reminder that there’s a threshold beyond which adding more to an already brimming schedule can lead to dropping whatever is being juggled. Exploring this with clients fosters a realistic and sustainable approach to personal and professional commitments.

Reflecting on Your Practice:

As a coach, reflect on how this quote resonates with your coaching practice. How do you navigate the complexities of working with clients who perceive themselves as ultra-busy? If a client shared this perspective during a coaching session, how would you respond? What insights can you extract from this quote to enhance your coaching approach and support clients in optimizing their time and energy? Is this post and quote a nudge to look at something around your coaching business that

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you resonate with this perspective on ultra-busy lives? Why or why not? Let’s engage in a meaningful conversation and uncover valuable insights that can enrich our coaching practice in the ever-evolving landscape of busy lives.

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 provides here.