I hike because it’s good for my body, mind and spirit. I love how I tend to let go of everything else as I focus on each step. Yesterday, as I trudged up an incline, for a few moments I entertained a myriad of excuses as to why I likely was unable to complete the trek. Some of those excuses included it’s taking too long; travel fatigue is real; I’m so out of shape; what could possibly be worth this; etc., etc. I pushed past those feelings of discomfort and before long, it momentarily got a little easier. The views around the next bend were stunning and unexpected. I started to gain confidence and congratulated myself on pushing through. And of course, as does happen with a hike, the terrain changed, and I was dragging myself up another steep incline. One step at a time I talked myself through it. And once again, my efforts were rewarded. The next vista provided unusual rock formations and views to other mountain ranges as far as the eye could see. I began to see a pattern of resistance which moved into some level of resolve, and then into a feeling of pride at my accomplishment. I noticed the similarities between hiking and life, where some parts are downright awful, with its uphill battles beset with obstacles, twists, and turns and then a leveling out. In hindsight, at times I might have chosen a different route, however, by staying the course, my life markedly got better. There’s a quote from an unknown author that says, “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think about that view from the top.” I was about 80% from the top yesterday, and again the desire to throw in the towel came in. I wondered if it was worth this much struggle. It absolutely was.
Are you at a crossroads in your life? Have you been traveling down a path that sometimes seems too difficult? Are you spinning your wheels in the mud? Or perhaps you’ve been on that incline for a while. Are you pushing too hard or not hard enough? Or is it in fact time to get off this path and begin anew?
Sometimes we can’t see the forest through the trees. Sometimes having the support of another can help make sense of what’s in front of us. Coaching is a great tool for helping to assess if the path you’re in makes sense and if not, what are some other options? Some coaching relationships provide support over the long haul, while others are to help you get over the humps. Staying stuck is not an option. Missing out on those incredible views when it gets too difficult can be heartbreaking. Can you invite the support of others to help you see it through? I have several key people in my life I call on to help me embrace life’s challenges and stay the course. I recently re-engaged with an accountability group that I was part of years ago to remind me what it was I said I wanted. Coaching helps people move forward so that they can get to those vistas and enjoy the views or the fruits of their efforts. There are different types of coaching out there, allow yourself the opportunity to find the right coach for you.
Here are some questions you may wish to utilize when looking to hire a coach.
- Do you have testimonials from past clients?
- What are some examples of successes your clients have had?
- What are your strengths and talents?
- How is your coaching program structured?
- What is your fee structure?
- What life coaching certifications and credentials do you have?
Let’s set up a discovery call and see how coaching can help you.