A fun coaching trick
As I’m getting to know new clients, there’s a 2-part question I sometimes ask. Here’s the first part:
Tell me about your home – your apartment or your house. What is it like?
And here’s the second part:
How is your home a metaphor for your life?
It seems trivial, but the answers are often surprisingly revealing! Sometimes they help us see things we hadn’t seen before — or solidify a “knowing” that is more fragile.
Here’s how I’d answer the questions, in my own life:
Tell me about your home:
My home is *lovely*. We renovated our 1930’s home a few years ago — after wanting to for even more years — and it took a lot of my time and attention. But I’m so pleased with the results! And then, last year, we even bought some real adult (non-ikea, non-craigslist) furniture, which we also love! But that took a bit of energy and time, too, to pick everything out and coordinate it all.
And now…to be honest, we could use some art. Some family photos on the walls. And even more non-hand-me-down furniture. And some organizational stuff in our garage…
But also…I just kind of need a break. To not necessarily optimize, for a bit. The big pieces are in place, and I just want to chill on the little pieces for a sec.
How is your home a metaphor for your life?
Well, I’ve spent the last chunk of my life putting a lot of important big parts of life into place. I met and married a wonderful person! I built a business I’m really proud of! We renovated our home! I have kids! One of my kids needed a ton of developmental and health support! And also, it took (and takes) quite a bit of energy to attend to those things — especially the early years with our kids.
I can see so many other possibilities for myself — I want to take French classes and dance classes and throw a block party to meet more neighbors and get back to writing my romance novel and throw board game nights with girlfriends.
But also… I just kind of need a break. To not necessarily optimize, for a bit. The big pieces are in place, and I just want to chill on the little pieces for a sec.
…
When I answer this question for myself, I noticed that it solidified my own “knowing” by helping me see it through a different lens:
The last few years have been a lot, but there’s a lot that I’m proud of + pleased with.
It’s ok to want more.
And it’s ok to rest, for a bit, before going after it.
Will you ask yourself this 2-part question? I’d love to hear your results, if you’d like to share ☺
As always, I’m rooting for you. You’ve got this.
Katie
p.s. Here's what some of my past clients said about working with me, and you can learn more about how coaching with me works or schedule a free consultation with me here.
Sure, you're a smart person who can figure things out on their own, but high performers know that it's a sign of vision, intelligence, and strength to get expert help. The ROI on achieving your goals more quickly, effectively, and with more ease is always worth it.
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