Perhaps one reason I resonate with the idea that what is in back of us is as important as what is in front of us is because of my vision. Cataracts in both eyes mean I don't see the little blue flowers my partner points out when we are on a nature walk. Optic neuropathy in my left eye means impaired depth perception.
Janene Armstrong*, my personal wellness coach, is behind me. She assumed a nurturing supportive approach when we started working together nine months ago. After a few months she began being tougher on me. When I didn't think I could do one more plank she urged, "Try it one more time!"
In the last month the two of us have discussed fitness issues in a more collegial way. She is still nurturing and supportive and she still pushes me but now we discuss ways we might work together.
A coach who is behind you knows when to nurture, when to make you toe-the-line, and when to move the relationship to a collegial one. Some coaches specialize in nurturing and some in pushing you to do your best. It's possible to have a good coach who just isn't giving you what you need at the time.
Now there are book coaches who help you write a book. My plan is to hire one in the near future. My needs will be for someone to nurture me (because self-doubt is sometimes my roommate) and for someone to keep me accountable (because having deadlines helps).
Coaches have your back. Coaches are behind you.
Clue for the week that you probably didn't expect: Try to be your own coach. Keep in mind it is just for this week. Decide what you need. Nurture or push yourself or make time for a conversation with a good friend. However, if you are ready, hire someone to help you.
Let me know what type of coach you need and if you are able to find it. Or tell me how you are your own coach. Are you still thinking about what is in back of you? Tell me if you are!
Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall
*Jenene is a certified health coach and women’s fitness specialist who serves women over 45 who are ready to take charge of their health and lifestyle again. She helps women to get active, ditch the diet mentality, learn to eat real, nutritious foods that give them the energy they need, eliminate sugar addiction, lose weight, change habits for good.....and feel fabulous again!
*Here’s Jenene's website link: www.healthfitcoach.net
Love the idea of spending the week as my own personal coach! Just taking that step back and evaluating what is working and where I am getting stuck is critical--and hard to do when I'm in the middle of it all. Donning a coach's hat will be an interesting experiment. Thanks for the clue!
ReplyDeleteDiane - You are so correct that it is difficult to step back and evaluate what is going on, especially when we are in the middle of something that is causing us angst!
DeleteI love how you said "donning my coach's hat will be an interesting experiment." So hoping that it gives you a tool to step back and observe. Please let us know if your new hat helps!
Thanks so much for reading and for such a positive response! I found it Sunday morning in the awaiting comments section. In the past Blogger has sent me emails alerting me that I have a comment. All of a sudden this has changed! My old buddy impermanence is at it again!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Guess I’m my own coach and I strive for consistency. I think of excuses to skip exercising almost every day and my inner coach gets me to put in the effort.
ReplyDeleteStriving for consistency is the key isn't it? Sounds like your inner coach really helps you take care of yourself. I wonder what part of you thinks of the excuses? Something in your unconscious?
DeleteSo glad you are reading this and so glad you are making the effort to exercise!
This is a fantastic post! I totally resonate.
ReplyDeleteDaishin - thanks for your kind words and for visiting my blog. I'm glad my latest thoughts about the importance of what is in back of us resonated with you.
DeleteYesterday at the meditation retreat when you read words you said were written 600-700 years ago, I thought of how important what is in back of us in Buddhist thought.
Thanks, Nicky. I'm going to be my own coach this week and write my observations in our group. Really good idea.
ReplyDeleteGreta - I look forward to hearing how it goes for you being your own coach.
DeleteThanks for the kind words - means a lot to me coming from you!
I don't know what is going on with my comments function, I am not receiving an email when someone comments so I have to look and find them. That's why I am so tardy with my response. I really appreciate your response!
ReplyDeleteI took your suggestion from your "mystery" post to be my own coach this week. I used the suggestion while in my downtown office yesterday, and while at home last night. I am using it today in the home office. It is an interesting exercise -- for me so far it consists mostly of doing a bit more planning (I did a bunch of that Sunday) and a lot more pep-talking to myself, so to speak. I went to my first physical therapy session this morning (looking for exercises I can do that won't hurt my knees but will help them) and now this week I will have to pep talk myself into doing my assigned exercises.
Thank you so much for letting us know how your inner coach is helping you!
DeleteYes, planning can be a big boost to following through on our goals. I have been blocking time on my calendar for certain activities that I want to accomplish. Ones I am likely to "forget" if they are not in black and white. It has been working pretty well so far. But you are correct, it does take some time to plan.
Thanks for reading and commenting! Much appreciated.