The Power of Silence

Since I began coaching, I've learned to value silence. Those quiet moments of focus before a coaching session; walking by the sea early in the morning surrounded only by nature's sounds, thinking through ideas or getting inspiration; or just sitting quietly letting thoughts come and go - often providing me with the answer to a problem without worry or anxiety.

Switching off the radio or TV and tuning in to our inner selves is also an excellent way to relax and allow ourselves to slow down from the frantic pace of life we live today.

Using silence as a coaching tool is incredibly powerful although I can remember being very uncomfortable and feeling I needed to "fill the gap" - sometimes I still do, but now I resist the temptation!

Silence and the question "Is there anything else?" has helped clients achieve such great insights because they had the space and time to look inside to their truth and creativity. Often the longer the silence, the better the answer. I feel I am honouring my clients by believing that they have the right answer for them and all they need is a little silence to find it.

(First published in issue 8 of Coaching Life)

It's so easy when we get busy with our coaching, writing that article or researching a new workshop to forget to market. I was speaking to a successful, established coach and trainer the other day who told me that, without warning, one of her major clients had stopped their contract (they were "rationalising" and cutting costs). It brought it home to her that she had been so busy doing the work that she had taken her eye off the marketing.

In the beginning of building a practice, just about 100% of our effort is in the marketing, even when we have enough clients; we still need to remember to spend 20% of available time (or 1 day a week) on this important area.

(First published in issue 4 of Coaching Life)

A Book You Might Enjoy

While having coffee with a fellow coach this week, she reminded me of a goldmine of a book written over 20 years ago, "Wishcraft" by Barbara Sher. It is full of exercises, case studies and actions to get the reader moving towards what they really want. It starts by asking "Who do you think you are?", invites you to explore your own style, search for your goals, deal with negativity, brainstorm ideas with others, get help from a supportive network and much more. It is a very motivational self-help book and the author doesn't accept any excuses!

(First published in issue 6 of Coaching Life)

A Last Thought

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." (Mark Twain)