Yesterday, I wrote about the many benefits of self-coaching. But, let’s be honest. Self-coaching is hard. It’s extremely difficult to remove yourself from a situation that revolves around you in order to look at it objectively. As Paul Baarn said in his comment on my previous post, “…as people we are very capable of fooling ourselves.” And this lack of objectivity is precisely what makes self-coaching such a challenge. Just because it’s difficult, though, doesn’t mean it’s not possible. You can coach yourself to success by taking a systematic approach and fully committing to the process. Here is an overview of the steps I have taken in order to successfully coach myself through transitions.
Step 1: Identify Your Objective
Before you even get into the nitty gritty, identify why you’re attempting this. Why are you self-coaching? What is your vision? What is the one specific objective you want to achieve? It may be increased clarity so you can make a difficult decision, a new way to prioritize an overloaded schedule, or even an action plan for a new business endeavor you are about to jump into.
Step 2: Get It All Out
I consider this one of the most important steps of self-coaching – the brain dump. Without a doubt, you have a lot of ideas, issues, and problems bouncing around in your head; fragments that you need to box up, organize and prioritize so you can approach the challenge with a clear head. Get them down on paper so you can move past the chaos.Step 3: Hold Yourself Accountable
Here is where the hard work starts. This step is one of the primary steps in any coaching process. Why are you in this situation? Did you drop the ball and now need to recover? Did you take on too much and face a work excess? Have you put off a decision that you should have already made? If there is a reason you are in your current situation that points back to you, now is the time to own up so you can correct it.Step 4: Create a Prioritized Action Plan
Go back to your brain dump and treat it like you would any project-oriented brainstorm. What are the patterns that keep popping up on your list? How do they relate to your objectives? Create specific actions based on this list that walk you from square one to your objective.Step 5: Attach Dates to Your Actions
Your action plan needs to include a deadline for every action in order to allow it to move you toward your objective. Keep in mind your accountability and commit to each and every deadline you set.Step 6: Stop for a Reality Check
Stop and go back to your action plan. Look at it as if it is a plan for someone else. Do you think it’s achievable? What will you have to give up to meet your deadlines? Are you willing to make those sacrifices? Are the people closest to you in your life okay with you making those sacrifices? Be honest with yourself and go back and make revisions if necessary.Step 7: Don’t Go it Alone
Yes, self-coaching is about walking yourself through a process of analysis and change so you’re prepared to tackle big things. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Once you have your action plan in place, run the details by a mentor, a friend, a spouse or some other trusted person to get confirmation that you’re moving with a clear head. And be open to their feedback because it can save you time and frustration if you’re not seeing a red flag because it’s so close to you. Your plan may be different based on your own individual needs and organizational preferences, but the general steps can be universal. Adapt it to meet your own needs and commit to seeing it through. Have you successfully coached yourself? What tips can you share? Image credit: createsimaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Self-Coaching
What is self-coaching and how does it work?
Self-coaching is a process where an individual guides themselves through a series of steps to achieve personal or professional goals. It involves self-reflection, setting goals, creating action plans, and monitoring progress. Unlike traditional coaching, self-coaching doesn’t require a professional coach. Instead, the individual uses self-help tools and techniques to coach themselves.
How can I start self-coaching?
Starting self-coaching involves a few key steps. First, identify your goals. What do you want to achieve? Next, create an action plan. This should include specific steps you’ll take to reach your goals. Then, monitor your progress regularly. Adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and any obstacles you encounter.
What are some effective self-coaching techniques?
Some effective self-coaching techniques include journaling, visualization, mindfulness, and positive affirmations. Journaling can help you reflect on your thoughts and feelings, while visualization can help you imagine achieving your goals. Mindfulness can help you stay focused on the present moment, and positive affirmations can boost your self-confidence.
Can self-coaching replace professional coaching?
While self-coaching can be a powerful tool for personal growth, it doesn’t necessarily replace professional coaching. A professional coach can provide expert guidance, feedback, and support that you might not be able to provide for yourself. However, self-coaching can be a great supplement to professional coaching, or a good option for those who prefer to work independently.
How can I stay motivated during the self-coaching process?
Staying motivated during self-coaching can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use. Setting clear, achievable goals can help keep you focused. Celebrating small victories along the way can boost your motivation. And remembering your ‘why’ – the reason you’re pursuing your goals – can help keep you motivated even when things get tough.
How long does it take to see results from self-coaching?
The timeline for seeing results from self-coaching can vary widely depending on your goals and the effort you put into the process. Some people may see results in a few weeks, while others may take months or even years. Remember, self-coaching is a journey, not a destination. The goal is continuous improvement, not instant perfection.
What are some common obstacles in self-coaching and how can I overcome them?
Common obstacles in self-coaching include lack of clarity about goals, procrastination, and self-doubt. To overcome these obstacles, try to be as specific as possible about what you want to achieve. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. And practice self-compassion – be kind to yourself when you make mistakes or face setbacks.
Can I use self-coaching for career development?
Absolutely! Self-coaching can be a powerful tool for career development. It can help you identify your career goals, develop new skills, and navigate career transitions. By coaching yourself, you can take charge of your career and steer it in the direction you want to go.
What resources are available for self-coaching?
There are many resources available for self-coaching, including books, online courses, and apps. Some popular self-coaching books include “The Life Coach Workbook” by Susannah Chamberlain and “Coaching Yourself to Success” by Joe Rubino. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer self-coaching courses. And apps like Coach.me and Noom provide digital coaching tools.
How can I measure my progress in self-coaching?
Measuring progress in self-coaching can be done in several ways. You might set specific, measurable goals and track your progress toward them. You could also keep a journal of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout the self-coaching process. Reflecting on your journal entries can help you see how far you’ve come.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
