On imagined effort, small steps, and letting the music lead, with questions for coaches
It’s easy to hear this as a warning about cost.
But what if it’s actually about willingness?
Sometimes we imagine the price of what we want is too high:
Too much time, too much effort, too much change.
So we hold back… without ever checking if the price we’ve imagined is even real.
What if the invitation isn’t to try harder, but to relax more deeply into who we really are?
To show up.
To be present.
To let ourselves be moved by the music.
Sometimes, “paying the musician” isn’t some grand gesture.
It’s just saying yes.
Taking one small step.
And letting the rhythm show you where to go next.
Coaching Reflection: The Willingness to Dance
- Is there something you’d love to experience, but haven’t checked what the next small step really asks of you?
- What “price” are you assuming you’d have to pay?
- How do you help clients discern the difference between imagined effort and true exchange?
- What opens up when we take the first step, and let the music lead?
As always:
No pressure to answer everything.
Let what lingers move with you.
Sometimes, that’s already enough.
“If you want to dance, pay the musician.”
(Latin American proverb)
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller helps people recognise the moments when they’re already closer to what they want than they thought.
Her coaching gently untangles imagined obstacles and makes space for the next small, true step to emerge, one that feels both grounded and possible.