(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

When you are in touch with yourself and you know what you want, you generate plenty of energy to continue to move. There is a joy to what you’re doing and you look forward to each day.

However, when your goals are in conflict with your needs or your values, you reach for external sources of motivation which include self-talk, affirmations, tight structures, deadlines and consequences.

Occasionally a prospective client will tell me that they want a coach to “hold them accountable.” This is putting the focus on the outside when the solution for the individual is to find internal resources to generate their energy. Fortunately everybody has internal sources and the coaching process becomes one of helping them find them.

Coaching Point: Are you tired at the end of most days? Or are you invigorated? What are your sources of energy?

 

Copyright 1996 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.