|
For humans living in the modern developed and technology-driven world, taking action can be difficult. There are many factors at play in this difficulty. One is living amongst a surfeit of choice, which can generate "choice paralysis" as described in this Harvard Business Review article by Barry Schwartz, psychology professor and author of The Paradox of Choice. Another is the cognitive bandwidth demands of being surrounded by information, electronic connections to others, and 24/7 media.
One of the foundational principles of coaching is facilitating a realistic look at a person's situation, state of mind, and resources. We can have all kinds of thoughts about how things used to be or how they should be, but when the reality shows up in the form of, for example, a student who is so paralyzed with anxiety they cannot send an e-mail to a professor, the possibility of practical action starts with allowing that reality to be presented without receiving judgment.
Whether a student is working toward a personal, academic, or professional goal, practical action is how they move toward it, one step at a time. Practical action is also how a person begins to prove that they can move ahead, and build self-efficacy that strengthens resolve and persistence. Practical action takes ideas out of the contemplative ether and breathes life into them.
A coachee comes away from any effective coaching session with at least one action that is manageable, directed toward a meaningful goal, and doable soon. Coaches can ask questions like these toward the end of a session to make sure that coachees head out with actions:
- What is an action you can take right now in this session to begin your motion toward your goal? (could be an email to a professor, scheduling something in a phone calendar, putting a phone on Do Not Disturb, or more)
- What will you do by the end of today to move closer to your goal?
- If you are focused on a more long-term goal, what can you do today that serves that goal?
- Who can help hold you accountable for the next step?
- What will you do if you find yourself hesitating?
- Think about your future self: Next time I see you, what do you most want to be able to say that you accomplished?
Join LifeBound to hone your action-driving skills with a training in inclusive coaching.
3-Day Inclusive Coaching
May 3, 10, 17 (Fridays)
(additional dates below)
| 
