How to get the best results from your Coaching sessions

Inner work can be a daunting proposition. It is by nature an iterative process and is not uncommon to experience setbacks every now and then. Demotivation and the temptation to discontinue is part of the journey especially when it involves serious accountability (internal or external) as in the case of Coaching. The thought of your progress being monitored (and maybe judged) by another can be a deterrent for some.

Contrary to this notion, a coach should be viewed more as a thinking partner. Someone who creates a safe, non-judgmental space for their clients to explore, discover, act and even fall while they take on new challenges and aspirations. The coach and coachee relationship is that of equals as opposed to the dynamics of a mentor/mentee or consultant/client relationship.

While considering coaching to enhance the quality of your life, these ideas could keep you unfettered on the path to success

1. Be Curious – For best outcomes, remain curious and willing to explore what’s not fully clear about yourself, others and the situation. Questioning tightly held beliefs and values is the bedrock of positive and life altering shifts in mindsets.
2. Allow time for deep dive – It’s safe to assume that the first couple of sessions will be crucial for developing rapport and your coach will need this time to strike a connect and create a level of comfort for you to share. Transformative coaching is more than just scratching the surface – it relies on exploring deeper thinking patterns, values and strategies. This level of conversation can only take place when a certain trust has been established between the two sides.
3. Be open and responsive – Coaching is closely akin to meditation. It offers plenty of opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect. Staying open and honest during this journey is rewarded by valuable discoveries about yourself and your circumstances. Responding to reflective statements and questions from the coach even if it feels uncomfortable, will help you think more broadly when you feel challenged or unsure.
4. Show up no matter what – There will be days when you haven’t met commitments for action or feel consumed by work and life in general. Guilt, embarrassment, fear of being judged are obvious preludes to “no shows”. It is in these moments that it becomes paramount to maintain the continuity of your sessions to address any blockages (within or without) that are coming in the way of progress.
5. Be kind to yourself – It is natural to feel discomfort while becoming more aware of the nature of your own mind and thoughts. In moments when you are too hard on yourself having more patience, kindness and forgiveness towards the inner you can be immensely healing.

If you need to achieve long lasting results, shift your focus on building strong systems. Commitment to the process is what determines your progress. Changes on the level of identity (who you want to become vs what you want to achieve) are key to shaping habits that define success for the long run. That’s where coaching can support you in becoming the best version of yourself by continuously editing your beliefs and expanding your identity.