Six lessons to help you create a coaching mindset

As a qualified coach, there is only so much I can do to help guide you on your coaching journey. Whilst I have a virtual suite of tools and techniques, to support you to self-reflect, break down and reframe your biases and open your mind to what you can and can’t control, the process is not a one-way street! I’m making the assumption that you are open to possibilities of coaching, otherwise, you wouldn’t be taking the time to read this blog. However, I wanted to share with you some lessons from six of the book club titles, that I believe will help you create a coaching mindset.

 

Emotions aren’t a distraction, they are communication from No Hard Feelings.

This message really hits home during Chapter Four, all about Decision Making. The key to the equation is considering the RELEVANT emotions; what does our reaction tell us about the decision and what is it trying to tell you? Understanding that listening to your feelings is different from acting on them but noticing them is important. So pay attention to what comes up before, during and after each session.

 

Even the most open-minded person is biased from Rebel Ideas

However open-minded you may think you are, you are a human being, that is driven to notice the information that supports your beliefs. You may have heard the phrase “echo chamber” when it comes to politics or religious beliefs, but this happens everywhere. How many times have you disregarded a colleague’s opinions because they are not part of “your team,” or automatically follow a manager’s strategy as they are the “expert”? Pay attention to how you critique ideas, and how others view yours. Don’t forget that “an echo chamber is what happens when you don’t trust the other side”. The discomfort you feel when you are challenged is helping you process and investigate your why.

 

Everyone can benefit from talking from Therapy is Magic

Don’t believe that this is only reserved as a treatment for a clinical diagnosis. The human condition means that we can benefit from talking through our troubles with someone qualified, but not emotionally involved. It can also be an early intervention, to prevent more serious mental health impacts. Whilst Coaching is in no way a treatment for mental health conditions, it can help support positive mental well-being.

 

It’s OK to ask for the support you need from The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

Parenthood can be isolating, and support is needed as many stages are our children grow up. There is no surprise that there is a link between lack of support, loneliness and postnatal depression, so Perry advocates strongly the need for open and honest communication, to build a “village” that many parents don’t always have, What do you need and who can you ask for the support? Having this in mind at the beginning of a coaching relationship can help you make the most of the process.

 

Your goal of productivity may not be your true aim from Struggle

I LOVE this quote from page 108 “productivity is knowing when to work and when to let the work breathe.”  We have all been primed to think we need to be in motion or always produce something tangible. Sometimes our best work or ideas are created when we step away from work and place our attention elsewhere. We have all been there, pushing through low energy, stress, or distraction; sometimes the best way to be productive is to STOP! Carving out the time to speak to a coach, is useful! Don’t decide you don’t have the opportunity to do so!

 

 

The best time to start coaching is now from Big Magic

It’s never too late to start making changes or focusing on what you enjoy. As Elizabeth Gilbert discusses (within the context of creativity), age and responsibilities can stop us from pursuing our passions– from art to dance. Often it is dropped as we can’t be the best. It won’t be a career, so then it becomes less than. Not important. Surplus to requirements. What if we just do things for the pure joy of it? How would that feel? If there are things you feel are missing from your life, you have permission to reintroduce them. Things have value beyond income.

 

So, here are my top six lessons learned to help you create a coaching mindset. If you regularly take part in the read-alongs, I’d love to know which aspects of the books have stood out to you! Come along to Creating Careers to Enjoy to find out our next title, and share what inspires you.