Many of us operate with low levels of self-awareness without realising it. Even if you believe you’re an exception, the truth is that external influences have been shaping our choices since childhood. These influences can blur the line between our own desires and those imposed by others. Add to that the hectic pace of modern life and its endless opportunities. It’s no wonder we often remain superficial in our self-perception.
In coaching, we peel back the layers one by one. Through introspection, exploration and discovery, coaching fosters much-needed self-awareness – understanding your unique personality, values, beliefs, emotions, strengths, ambitions, motivations, and areas for improvement. This journey of awareness takes time, effort and a willingness to face discomfort, but the reward is priceless – access to your true self and inner resources. This is often underestimated and therefore, our true potential remains untapped.
Each coaching session has a structure, a goal and a timeframe. The essence of coaching is to ask stimulating questions, but a coach doesn’t follow a set list of questions, it’s rather an organic flow within agreed objectives. Although some questions in coaching discussions may be similar, they will always have bespoke nuances to the topic at hand, with a goal in sight. Below are listed some broader questions to give you an idea of what a coaching session might entail.
- What is your goal – what would you like to have or achieve? If you are not sure yet, what is the part you currently know?
- Why is it important for you to reach this goal?
- How will you know and recognise that you have got it?
- How will your life change after that? Try to imagine this moment – what do you notice, feel or experience when you are in this moment?
- What steps can you take to move closer to your goal? What other options do you have to reach it?
- What steps can you take to overcome any potential obstacles?
- What advice would you give to a friend in your situation?
- What new insights have you gained about yourself and the situation during the coaching session today?
- What is your plan for integrating these insights and taking action?
- What is the first step you will take when you leave this session?
- On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to doing this? What can you do to make it a 10?
Consistent work with self-awareness gives you a competitive edge and unlocks the key to achieving your dreams. Increased awareness provides clarity, enabling conscious choices, deep commitment, purposeful action and exceptional performance – the prerequiste ingredients for real success, genuine satisfaction and lasting happiness in all aspects of your life.
