Getting Sidetracked
On Our Journeys
I started my blog with a lot of enthusiasm and information to share, but you may have noticed a bit of a gap in my writing (or maybe not! 🙂 ). I started and then fell silent. It’s not because I haven’t been writing. It’s because I didn’t like what I was writing – it sounded preachy. Ugh.
Sometimes I find myself thinking that, because I’m a coach, that I should have it all figured out – that no one will hire me if they think I still have “stuff” to clean up. I think that’s where that preachiness came from.Â
My Mind Sent Me to Crazy Town
Here’s an example of how tricky our minds are: Why would I think that I need to be perfect before I begin?
Most people I admire have been those who have shared their journeys and their vulnerabilities. What if Oprah had waited until she she’d already created her empire before she got in front of the camera? What if Elizabeth Gilbert had written the story of what it’s like to be a successful writer instead of sharing the journey of Eat, Pray, Love? See? It makes no sense. If they had waited, they wouldn’t have become who they are!
Not helpful mind!Â
Our minds have all sorts of crazy ideas like this. That’s why it’s good to ask your brain to explain itself. Often it cannot. It has gone unquestioned for so long, we think it’s us! We let it drive how we feel and what we do. Often we don’t get where we want to go.
Getting Back on Track
I had to get clear with myself that it’s not the actual coaching. It’s the act of putting myself “out there”. I don’t think I realized being a coach also meant being an entrepreneur. But, it does. Accepting that resolves a lot of things.Â
So, when I get off-track, sidetracked, find myself in Crazy Town, I’m going to realize I’ve reached the wrong destination, instead of giving up. Then I’m going to see what thought sent me there. And then think a better thought.
Here's a Coaching Tip to Make Your Journey Easier
If any of this feels familiar to you, or if you’re feeling lost, or if you’re not getting the result you want, investigate your thinking. Remember, your mind is trying to help you, and it’s idea of helping you is that you don’t change anything. Ever. Which goes against what life is about.
Watch Out for The "Annica' Paradox.
I just learned the word, “Anicca”, which means “everything changes”. That is the nature of life. Yet, we hold onto situations, things and people as if that weren’t true. It’s a paradox. And if that’s what we humans are dealing with all the time, no wonder we’re stuck and confused!
There is a Way.
We all get lost sometimes. Just remember, there is a way. On your journey, I’m sure you’ve found a few that work for you. I’d love to hear about them in the comments! Coaching isn’t the only way out of the paradox, but it is “a way” – a very powerful way.
