All coaches will face times when their clients are resisting something. It can be extremely frustrating to constantly hear a client or a friend for that matter, talk about why they can’t do something, and keep bringing up blocks instead of looking for solutions. It’s almost like they are committed to staying safe and not going for their goal. I admit, I can sometimes find myself drawn or sucked into throwing out possible solutions that come to mind and still they knock these down. And, I have learned that sometimes the best thing to do when clients are resisting a goal, is to take it away from them.
Below is a conversation from an article that I recently read which highlights exactly this:
John said: ‘What would you say to someone who always wanted to play more music, but didn't have the time or money to do it?'
We talked about what he really wanted, and he brought up several blocks in the way: 'Oh but my work takes up a lot of time'.
'How would it feel to cut back work to 3-4 days a week and put time into your music'? I asked.
'Oh - but we really need the money because we have a mortgage'
'Well - would you be willing to devote 7 extra hours on the weekend to expressing yourself through music?'
'Oh no - I need some time to relax and to be with my wife. Plus there's a lot to do around the house'.
After less than five minutes of not enjoying this I finally said: 'Well how's this for a plan? You keep your current hours at your job, pay off your mortgage, and then when you're 80 you look back and wonder what could have happened if you really followed your passion?'
He sat there stunned for a few moments, and then blurted out: 'But that sounds like a terrible plan!' 'Well - isn't that one you're currently working with?'
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