People often ask us how on earth we integrate challenges with coaching; how can you help a failing relationship through a tri-athlon, or help people meet tough targets by doing a 10km run; how can hiking in far away mountains deal with issues close to home.
Needless to say, challenges have many inherent benefits but let me highlight some specific learning with a personal example.
At the moment, I am sustaining my coaching practice by training for a cross country ski event, the dreaded Vasaloppet in Sweden - 45km of ups and downs.
When I go out and train, the things I am concerned about often tag along and by the end of the session, as if by miracle, I will see things in new ways.
For instance, as a relative beginner, I am apt to fall flat on my face; now I’ve started to realize that the pain comes not so much from a bruised body, but a bruised ego; the need to look good and be brilliant always. The parallels with growing my business are uncanny as, metaphorically, I am constantly falling on my face and wanting to be brilliant.
So my learning in this situation is to embrace, not fear, falling flat on my face, both on skis and at work, as this means taking risks, being bold, pushing the uncomfortable and not talking myself too seriously. This produces such different results.
Cross country skiing is a lot about balance. Or more correctly, the art of being thrown off balance and returning to centre; and in another example of parallel learning, I’ve noticed how this art of re-centering is invaluable at work - dealing with surprises, multi-tasking, making fast decisions, managing emotions. In corporate-speak, dealing with a grab.
Another parallel lesson that strikes me in its obviousness is that each ski outing is different; it may be the same activity but the “I”, the environment, temperature, visibility will have changed and I need to adapt my approach, be mindful of subtle changes. At work, this is a reminder to be present in every coaching session - and no dozing off.
So I have no doubt that physical challenges are an extraordinary opportunity to explore how we are and how we see the world. However, the reason we use challenge as a coaching framework is not just about learning; it is there to disrupt our habitual patterns, to create a positive platform for coaching and to engage all our intelligences - emotion, body and mind.
Now what might a challenge look like for you?Something PracticalBefore anything though the first question is “What would you like this challenge to bring into your life?” - are you looking for more calm? Fitness? Perspective? More adventure and boldness? Are you wanting to stay positive and focused? Are you in overwhelm and need some balance?
Once you have identified the reason for the challenge, can I suggest three simple steps:1. Take 5 minutes to shut your eyes and imagine various different challenges2. Choose an event or objective that inspires you3. Tell someone about what you are going to do
Something Going OnChallenges are a relative phenomenon. We’ve had clients climb, walk, run, swim, hike all types of terrain and distances. It doesn’t matter what it is. It just needs to inspire you and support your current needs.
We’ve got two programs running in September - Alps Traverse and Gran Paradiso. Both are suitable for non-mountaineers but strong hikers. Click through for more information on both challenges.
For further inspiration, have a look on our website. And please feel free to give me a call if you want to have a conversation around what might work for you.
