Coaching Tip: External change? Or inner shift?
Category: Coaching Secrets (CS117)Originally Submitted on 5/12/99.
Introduction
A need for change does not always mean the kind of change we think it does. External changes may sometimes be just a way of avoiding inner change that is really what is needed.
The Coaching Tip
Many people hire a coach to help them to find a new and better job, or a new and better relationship, or to make some other external change. There is nothing wrong with this, and a coach can be a tremendous help during any form of transition.However, there are times when people think their solution to a problem is to change their external surroundings, when what is needed is a change from within. When we change our surroundings, the one thing that remains the same is whatever we take with us. Our attitude, our thoughts, our personal hang-ups and problems are not left behind. If these are what a client is seeking to escape... it's just not going to happen.
Sometimes there is more to be gained if clients give themselves some time to cause a shift in their situations, or the way they perceive and react to the situations, before they make a break-away move. This can achieve several objectives. The client may learn the lesson that is needed for the situation to be resolved. The client may learn that running away from a difficult situation is not always the best way to solve it. Even if the situation does eventually have to be left, these lessons will have been learned, and will stand the client in good stead sometime in the future.
Remember that a change in a situation does not always have to be achieved by changing the externals. An internal shift is often an even more powerful solution.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Diana Robinson, Ph.D., Personal Development Coach, who can be reached at Diana@ChoiceCoach.com, or visited on the web. Diana Robinson wants you to know: To learn more about my Personal Development Coaching and/or to subscribe to either/both of my two e-mail free newsletters, please visit my web site. I also offer you the gift of a half-hour of free coaching by phone, with no obligation. Let's talk soon.
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