Charting the Course for Change

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Revising the Charts

During almost two decades of coaching, I have never had an engagement that ended up exactly following the course initially laid out. Process is essentially self-changing and the course is self-correcting. I’ll ask you to keep a journal of our work together. It will be ‘exhibit A’ in our progress review sessions. Looking back and comparing expectations then with new understandings now will allow us to see the progress that has resulted from our work. This highlights one of the most valuable contributions that coaching can make to your life. If you understand more of what is there before you, the chances are better that you will make the correct decisions based on a more nuanced reading to the possibilities and limitations. So you see, there are two changes going on. Sure we are moving towards your principal objective. But you also get better at seeing what the journey had to offer. This change is more generally useful as it will apply to many parts of your life. Many of my clients have found this change to be liberating. It can signal a major leap forward and bring much joy and fulfillment into your life.

So, along the way, my clients become map makers. You will learn how to chart a course, think about the best path forward and avoid or plan for challenges that you are going to encounter. You will learn how to distinguish the drivers of change. Sometimes those drivers are a reaction to a need to move away from something. Sometimes they are a need to towards something. You will learn to deal differently with your aversions than your desires. You will also learn how to chart and follow courses that avoid future unwanted problems.

Resting on Your Laurels

One of the truly great experiences in coaching is to be able to meet with a client as an equal. After the work is done and the goals achieved, after the demons have been slain and the foe vanquished, it is rewarding to pause along life’s journey and reflect on the journey made. I relish those times and experiences. Where once there was uncertainty and hesitancy; now there is clarity and resolve. Where once there was fear and loathing; now there is confidence and compassion. Moving forward means growing. Growing means maturing. Maturity means having the luxury to rest a bit and contemplate the wonder of life before embarking on the next great quest.

© Dr. Earl R. Smith II

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Related Articles:

• Your Life as a Work in Progress

• Getting the Right Personal Vision

• Life Coaching – The Propose of a Compass

• Apprehension – Fear or Understanding?

• Finding Meaning Without Manufacturing Meaning

• Making the Possible Probable

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Contact Dr. Smith

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The Federal Circle provides advisory services to companies working in the federal contracting space. Its core team and network of advisers has a deep understanding of the government contracting space. Together they represent a rich resource for companies trying to generate traction in these very competitive markets. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

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