W. Somerset Maugham

A quick look at procrastination

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Procrastination / quote / W. Somerset Maugham
An hour glass with sand draining through, so the sand is approximately split 50% in the top section and 50% in the bottom. Surrounding the glass are piles of papers stacked haphazardly. The text reads: "Things don't get any easier by putting them off." (W. Somerset Maugham)

Today’s quote is:

“Things don’t get any easier by putting them off.” (W. Somerset Maugham)

This serves as a poignant reminder of the pitfalls of procrastination that many of us grapple with in our daily lives.

Despite each of us having the same 24 hours at our disposal, productivity can vary significantly from one day to the next. This inconsistency begs the question: why do some days flow effortlessly, while others are marred by endless procrastination?

While there are exceptions to every rule, in most cases, delaying a task only serves to prolong the inevitable. However, there are instances where procrastination can be strategic, such as when a necessary preparatory step is involved. For example, enlisting the help of others or acquiring the right tools can make seemingly daunting tasks much more manageable.

But does Maugham’s quote imply that everything must be tackled immediately? Well, we get to decide what we take from the quote, so I would suggest not necessarily. Rather, one thing it could urge us to discern between procrastination and necessary preparation and take proactive steps to address tasks in a timely manner.

Have you ever completed a task and found it surprisingly easy? I recently experienced this when making a phone call on someone else’s behalf. What I anticipated to be a time-consuming process was resolved within minutes, highlighting the fallacy of our preconceived notions about task difficulty.

Reflecting on my own tendencies, I’ve identified three scenarios that often lead to procrastination. The first occurs when I prioritize other tasks over the one at hand, due to competing priorities. In such cases, delegating or seeking assistance can be invaluable. Not everything has to be done by you personally!

The second scenario arises when a task is perceived as dull, challenging, or unappealing. In these instances, reframing the task or approaching it with a fresh perspective can make a world of difference. Asking questions like, “How can I make this more enjoyable?” or “What would I do differently if this were the most important task?” can shift our mindset and spur action.

Additionally, it’s essential to question the necessity of certain tasks and consider alternative approaches. For instance, if a marketing strategy isn’t yielding results, is it truly necessary, or is there a more effective method?

Lastly, unrealistic expectations about task duration can contribute to procrastination. Accepting that tasks may take longer than anticipated and adjusting our schedules accordingly can alleviate unnecessary stress.

In conclusion, procrastination not only hinders productivity but also adds unnecessary pressure and stress to our lives. By recognizing the reality that “things don’t get any easier by putting them off” and adopting proactive strategies to address tasks head-on, we can reclaim our productivity and achieve our goals with greater ease and efficiency. What else does this quote prompt for you?

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.

Celebrating Being Present

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / past / presentness / quote / W. Somerset Maugham
A dreamlike image. A lone individual in shadow is stood on a beach at the edge of the sea. They are looking out across the ocean as the waves lap against the sand, leaving ripple effects in their wake. The sun is setting in the background, giving lots of orange and red shades to this image. The text reads: "I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present." (W. Somerset Maugham)

Happy Sunday! Today’s quote is:

“I don’t think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.” (W. Somerset Maugham)

Take a moment to immerse yourself in a thought experiment. Imagine awakening with the sudden inability to recall the past or envision the future. All that exists is the vibrant tapestry of the present moment, unfurling before you like a blank canvas. What would that experience be like for you?

For me, this hypothetical scenario evokes an immediate sense of connection and presence. It’s as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to fully engage with the here and now. There’s a palpable calmness and stillness that permeates my being, enabling me to channel my undivided attention towards whatever unfolds in front of me. How does it resonate with you?

Too often, we find ourselves caught in the web of thought, endlessly ruminating on the past or projecting into the future. We expend precious energy yearning for things to be different from how they are, resisting the inherent beauty and richness of the present moment. Memories from the past may hold us captive, entangling us in intricate narratives of judgment and regret.

But what if we could release ourselves from this mental entrapment? What if we could relinquish the need to dwell on what has been or what might be, and instead embrace the boundless potential of the everlasting present? In doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, where each moment is an invitation to savour, cherish, and celebrate.

It’s important to note that embracing the present moment doesn’t imply disregarding the skills and valuable lessons we’ve acquired for the future. Rather, it means recognizing that our habits of thinking can be dropped at any moment. Even if we momentarily forget this ability, we can always remember it again. So, instead of dwelling on self-criticism for forgetting, we can gently bring ourselves back to the present and bypass judgmental thoughts altogether.

By cultivating an awareness of the everlasting present, we unlock the door to boundless joy, creativity, and inner peace. So, as you go about your day, I invite you to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself fully in the richness of each moment. For it is here, in the tapestry of the present, that we discover the profound beauty of being alive. Let’s cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment, allowing it to unfold with grace and intention. For in the richness of the here and now, we discover the true essence of life itself.

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 the Power of ‘I Don’t Know’ in Coaching: A Journey of Growth and Discovery”

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / I don’t know / quote / W. Somerset Maugham
This image is in black and white. A shape of a human with arms in the air as in mid-shrug. Above are 3 question marks, one above the persons head and the other two above their hands respectively. The text reads: "It was not till quite late in life that I doscovered how easy it is to say 'I don't know'" (W. Somerset Maugham)

Todays quote is:

“It was not till quite late in life that I discovered how easy it is to say: ‘I don’t know.'” (W. Somerset Maugham)

As coaches, we often encounter clients who express uncertainty with those very words. How we respond to this statement can profoundly impact the coaching process. In the past I’ve written a post answering “How do you deal with “I don’t know” as an answer to a coaching question?” at a more practical level so today’ I’ll look at it at a more general level. Let’s explore the nuances of the “I don’t know” response and how it serves as a gateway to growth and discovery in coaching.

The Two Faces of “I Don’t Know”:

When clients utter the words “I don’t know,” there are typically two underlying sentiments. The first often has a feeling of helplessness, where clients feel stuck and unable to generate fresh ideas or solutions despite their efforts. Here, our role as coaches is to provide gentle guidance, tapping into their inner wisdom and creativity to spark fresh insights and thoughts.

The second type of “I don’t know” is firmly grounded in reality, whether due to a lack of information or because the decision or answer is still evolving. If I think back to some of the trainings I did when I was starting out coaching, this type of situation was often ignored and more or less gave the suggestion to not take I don’t know as a reasonable answer.

Celebrating the ‘I Don’t Know’ Moments:

It’s essential for coaches to embrace and celebrate these “I don’t know” moments. They are not signs of weakness or failure but rather opportunities for growth and discovery. By acknowledging our own limitations and embracing uncertainty, we create a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore, learn, and evolve.

Remembering our Humanity:

As coaches, it’s crucial to remember that we, too, don’t have all the answers. In fact, its not my job to have the answers but to meet the client where they are and explore – they after all are the expert on them. Embracing the vulnerability of not knowing allows us to connect more deeply with our clients and model authenticity and humility. Together, we navigate the uncertainties of life, celebrating the journey of growth and discovery along the way.

Conclusion:

In the realm of coaching, the phrase “I don’t know” holds profound significance. It serves as a catalyst for exploration, a reminder of our humanity, and a symbol of the inherent uncertainty of life. As coaches, let’s embrace and celebrate these moments, viewing them not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth, discovery, and transformation. By honoring our clients’ ‘I don’t know’ moments, we create space for profound insights, meaningful connections, and lasting change.

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.