Coaching isn’t just about the hour you spend talking things through, exploring challenges, and setting goals. It’s about what happens between those sessions, in the quiet moments when you’re going about your day, when those unexpected “aha!” moments hit you.

When I challenge my clients or offer a new perspective, the real magic often happens later. It might be on the commute home, during a run, or even in the middle of the night when a sudden realization jolts you awake. These are the moments where true transformation begins.

Openness and Curiosity: The Keys to Unlocking Insights

One of the keys to having these insights is approaching the coaching process with openness and curiosity. When your coach asks a challenging question or offers feedback that might feel uncomfortable, don’t dismiss it or get defensive. Instead, be curious. Ask yourself:

• “What is this feedback trying to tell me?”
• “What can I learn from this challenge?”
• “What new perspectives might be available to me?”

One of my clients has a great way of dealing with this. They take notes during our sessions, and when faced with a tough question, they’ll often say, “I don’t know what to do with this right now, but let’s see what comes up.” This willingness to sit with the discomfort and stay open often leads to breakthroughs.

Beyond the Quick Fix

Coaching isn’t a magic pill. It’s not going to instantly solve all your problems or magically transform your leadership overnight. It’s a process, a journey of self-discovery and growth that takes time and effort.

But coaching can:

• Challenge your assumptions: Help you see things from a new perspective and question the beliefs that might be holding you back.
• Expand your awareness: Increase your self-awareness and your understanding of your impact on others.
• Unlock your potential: Empower you to tap into your strengths, overcome your challenges, and achieve your goals.
• Create lasting change: Support you in making sustainable changes that will benefit your leadership, your career, and your overall well-being.

The Invitation

So, if you’re looking for a quick fix, coaching might not be for you. But if you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to challenge yourself, and to create lasting transformation in your leadership and your life, then coaching might be the perfect catalyst.

Also read my post on how to coach yourself.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.