Optimising your investment in a professional coaching partnership
Coaching isn’t just an hour a week or a package of 6 sessions.
It’s a professional partnership for a purpose.
An investment.
To get the best possible return on that investment, it’s important to make effective use of the time between the sessions – because that’s often when the deep thinking, insights and big shifts happen.
“Music is the space between the notes”
Setting aside some time between sessions for more exploration, processing and reflection amplifies the effects of our work together.
What this looks like will be different for everyone:
If you’re a writer, whether on paper or in front of a screen - fantastic. Off you go.
Still, it often helps to have some structure: perhaps some questions or prompts that emerge from our session; perhaps a time limit, like the Pomodoro Technique. You may find it easier to write in the same place, at the same time every day. Or not.
Don’t forget to keep a note of how your thoughts are making you feel: is a memory making you smile? Has a new idea given you a shot of adrenalin? Do you feel lighter now you’ve had time to think? Look out for body language clues - are you sitting up straighter or relaxing your shoulders? Has your mood changed since you finished writing?
Sit with it. Just start writing. Anything. Words. What you can see. It’ll warm your brain up. Don’t let yourself off the hook.
If you’re not a writer?
There are lots of alternatives. For thousands of years, people have used walking as a way to explore their thoughts. Aristotle may not have understood the science behind the increased blood flow to the brain, but the whole peripatetic school of philosophy was based on the premise that walking enhances creative thinking by letting the mind wander.
Dogs can be great thinking partners too (and good excuses.)
Some of my clients paint, draw, collage or doodle. Others find listening to or playing music allows that other part of their mind to roam free and make connections.
It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you commit to the process (most of the time) and keep a note of your thoughts, feelings and insights - they are the essential ingredient that will make the change you’re looking for authentic and lasting.
And ensure you optimise your investment.
