How could you look at this differently?
‘This’ being the thing / situation / conversation / issue that is commanding your attention.
A client arrived at a session with the statement: ‘My job is draining me, every day is a battle and I can no longer face it’.
Asking the simple question of ‘how else could you view this?’ enabled her client to think of some new perspectives:
> I’ve gained great experience in a challenging sector
> I’ve learnt new skills and processes in a short amount of time
> People trust me and I have been able raised my profile within the senior management team
> I’m more aware of what I do want and don’t want in future
> I’m stronger than I think. I keep going every day and for that I am proud
> This is not forever.
Our energy and minds become consumed by spiralling thoughts, often negative, or at least unhelpful. When you find yourself ruminating in this way, as yourself ‘how else could I look at this?’
Even if it feels uncomfortable to start with, this question can be a useful way to bring in alternative viewpoints. You may uncover positives that you haven’t seen previously, learnings to take away, successes that you have forgotten, opportunities to grasp or even contentment that isn’t visible when you are fixed in your default way of thinking.
What is consuming your mind right now? How else could you view it?
Gemma Brown is an associate certified coach with the International Coach Federation, working with people to navigate successfully through transitions - be it career, relationships or life in general. Her belief is that when we confidently bring our whole selves to all areas of life, anything is possible. Transitions exist in both our personal and business life, and so often, the two fiercely overlap. Coaching with Gemma focuses on you as a whole, enabling you to identify your strengths, build confidence and to live a life with increased purpose and direction. Gemma is based in Cambridgeshire and carries out face to face coaching in the area as well as 1-2-1 coaching via Skype and Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.