During a social conversation last week, someone said to me “People will think you’re not capable if you decide to hire a Coach.” “Really?” I said. “When a business is in trouble and profits are down, do you think they’ll approach a professional that can help them assess the situation and suggest a course of correction?”
“Absolutely” was the reply, to which I responded, “And you’d be comfortable with that, getting some outside help?”
“Yes” he replied.
I persisted just a little further, “In that example that I’ve just given you, would the businessman then be considered incapable, or applauded for his action and desire to get his business back on track?”
“Not at all” he said, “that’s the smart thing to do.”
To which I said, “that is why there are Professional Coaches.” He blinked at me and I smiled saying “I rest my case, here’s my card.” What a laugh we had then.
This exchange got me thinking. We’ve all come across a person who, somehow, seems to have it all. Confidence, ambition, success and drive! No matter what external events are occurring, they seem to thrive.
What is it that makes them a ‘mover and shaker’ and you feel like you’re standing still, but working really hard at the same time? You may even ask yourself, how is this person different to me? Why can’t I have that same positive attitude? Why do I think I’m not in the same league?
Most of the top businessmen around the world have personal Coaches. Just as a world class tennis player or athlete does. It takes a different form of commitment and grit!
They put in the work, the time and the sacrifice to be in a different class. They get coached, in order to iron out their weaknesses and harness their strengths. They are wired differently, because they have been coached to think differently. Their mindset is their biggest asset and the time, money and investment become their most valuable reward.
Just because a person is naturally smart and talented, doesn’t mean they automatically achieve outstanding results and success. To do really well and thrive, we need the ability to persevere. Without courage, time and sacrifice, talent may be nothing more than wasted potential.
This is where coaching comes in. Remember, you are unique and therefore you require a unique approach to achieve the outcome that you want! And you can do this, through the understanding of your strengths, improving on your weaknesses (or owning them) and shifting your mindset .
You know, we all have the ability to be extraordinary, but many times, we don’t know where the starting line is. Your Coach will take you there. You will be guided to manifest with intention. You will get to realise that thinking and mental activity are not the same thing.
You can be ‘thinking’ about a lot of things and feel completely overwhelmed. That’s mental activity. When you are Coached on the ways of thinking and apply them to your mindset, you’ll be unstoppable.
Which brings me to the point that even Coaches need Coaching. Isn’t it the dentist that needs to go to the Oral Hygienist. The plumber who has a leaky faucet at home. The builder, whose shutters are not aligned. We ignore our very own needs and dive in head first to service others.
As a Coach, we never stop learning and when you have a Coach that is committed to bringing out the best in you, you can be assured that they are also being coached in order to bring out the best that they have to offer.