|
Naturally, I'm a curious person. I am constantly questioning myself as to where I am in my life, where I want to go, and how do I get there. My mind is a blur of logic, technicalities and creativity while my heart is always trying to find the balance to make sense of it all. Possessing a kind of nerdy inquisitive nature, I read product manuals cover to cover to understand exactly how the product works before using it. I research topics intensely before making decisions. I always have to find out the "what?" and "why?". On the flip side, I possess a surprisingly keen intuition that I'm still learning to trust when it comes to matters that are not so logical. I'm also quite curious when it come to people. I find their unique qualities to be intriguing, their behaviors fascinating and I'm always wondering what they're really thinking. A satisfying conversation to me has elements of asking questions of other people just to find out what they believe and how they process information. Applying this natural curiosity to the art of helping others is what attracts me to being a life coach.
Not everyone is comfortable with asking questions. Or stated another way, people are more uncomfortable with the answers to questions and so they just avoid questioning altogether. Seems to me though, in order to progress as individuals and members of our communities, we need to ask powerful questions of ourselves and others so that we obtain clarity, understanding and growth. I recently participated in a teleconference with the Chicago Coaching Federation (CCF) on the topic of Powerful Questions. There was a lot of "coach talk" from the other participants yet most of the call was done within an inquisitive atmosphere - at times it was even lightly humorous. This was not the tone I expected from a serious life coach topic yet I was delighted to chime in and listen to the ideas presented. At one point during the call a coach brought up the concept of how to deal with the fear of "getting it right". We've all felt this at one time or another - am I saying the "right" thing? Am I doing what is "right" for me? What will others think of me if I don't get this "right"? This kind of fear can be crippling!! It deals with our own ability (or inability) to accept ourselves just as we are, imperfections and all, in this present moment. And it also asks the question - am I willing to allow myself to accept the possibility of failure? Maybe even failing miserably? We all make mistakes, its part of being human and living life, the key to our success is how we perceive ourselves and our situations before and after we have failed. To have the willingness to take the risk to be wrong - allowing ourselves to do the very best we can do - knowing that if we fail, we still win! Making the choice to see all of our life adventures as learning experiences really does bring a sense of lightness to the risks we take, no matter the outcome. If we all perceived our choices this way, what happens to our fears? What if our fears vanished? What accomplishments are not being fulfilled because of the fears we let hold us back? What do we need to let go of in order to accomplish our goals? Perfection really is overrated. None of us have all of the answers. What is important to remember is that we are all learning at our own pace and in our own way. In the words of one of my favorite college music professors, we are all here to "love the process". For most people, it is necessary to ask for help while "in process". A life coach is a supportive, encouraging and inspiring resource that you depend on for the appropriate assistance you need - feel free to contact me when you are ready. In the meantime, take a moment to ask yourself a powerful question or two. Maybe even start backwards and ask - what are the answers to the questions I'm afraid to ask? You might just surprise yourself at what you discover. |