In the past few weeks I started new coaching relationships with 19 people, and I feel so honored by the trust that these individuals have chosen to place in me AND IN THEM SELVES.
The code of conduct for professional coaches holds that, “the client is whole, creative, and resourceful.” No one is broken, there is nothing to “fix.” Yet in today’s world where the value of independence and self-sufficiency is so strong, entering into a personal coaching relationship requires more than a small bit of Courage.
In a way, the first step for a coaching client is similar to most 12 Step programs, where one starts by saying, “Where I am is no longer working for me.” When you say “Yes” to coaching, you have accepted that you are “getting in your own way” and that the tools you have are insufficient to achieve the goal(s) you hold.
In the first session of a new coaching relationship we focus most attention on building the framework for coaching (getting acquainted, logistics, goal definition, etc) and many times we spend only a few minutes actually coaching. Yet, at the end of that meeting when I ask, “what are you taking away, today?” the coachee can always describe one or more valuable insights or powerful actions they created during the conversation.
You, too, can access the Power of Acceptance
The simple act of showing up and diving deeply into a problem or goal area generates huge new awareness and possibility, because declaring “I can’t do this on my own!” is so empowering. When you accept and admit that you are not perfect and you do not have The Correct Answer, you also open the possibility that there are MANY correct answers, and many paths toward your goal.
When you accept your flaws and shortcomings, you also accept that you’re smart, experienced, and able to change… and that, my dear reader, is a powerful place to be!
