Set Straight

Action seems to be at the epicenter of the coaching profession. Most people agree that, if they would take the actions they know they should, then they would become successful.

The actions that most people need to take are not mysterious to them. This begs the question, “Why don’t I just do this?”

Sometimes as coaches, when we are in the midst of helping a client identify the actions and put them into their calendar, we pause to ask the question, “Why aren’t you doing this?” The “why” question can quickly turn a coaching session into a counseling session. But sometimes, counseling is exactly what is needed.

A good counselor helps you look backward. They help you examine what motivates your behavior for the purpose of uncovering things that are not clear to you on the surface. This takes time and a skilled and educated professional to be most effective. However, all of us can play the role of counselor from time to time, because good counselors are excellent listeners.

We may use some counseling techniques as coaches, but we know our limits. My goal is to get the client back on track, so we can start looking out the windshield again and not in the rear-view mirror. We do need to get back to taking action.

If, however, your mind and your spirit are in a funk, all of the accountability we can offer may do you no good until you do something to set your heart right. If you are not taking action, and you know that your heart is in a bad place, you may need to uncover why. Some people will need to spend quite a bit of time in the company of a good counselor, while others need just a glimpse to set their course straight.

This week provides an annual reason to get your soul back on track. Thankfulness is a miraculous tool which can do wonders for your heart and soul. Gratitude and forgiveness can turn your life around and set you on a different path.

My recommendation is that we go deeper than we ever have in this season to be thankful. It can only do us good.

Peace,

Coach Steve