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The Art of Self-Revision: Coaching, Personal Narratives, and the Mastery of Self
In the realm of personal and professional development, the journey towards understanding and improving oneself is both intricate and profound. This journey is not just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it’s fundamentally about revising and reinterpreting our personal stories. These narratives, which we continuously edit over time, shape our perceptions, actions, and interactions with the world.
The Evolution of Personal Narratives
Our personal stories are akin to living documents, constantly being rewritten in the light of new experiences, insights, and understandings. Each chapter of our life adds depth, introduces new characters, and sometimes, shifts the plot entirely. This process of evolution is critical because it allows us to reframe our past, understand our present, and envision a future that aligns more closely with our evolving self-concept and aspirations.
The Prerequisite of Coaching for Coaches
In the context of coaching, there’s an emerging recognition of the need for coaches themselves to undergo coaching. This isn’t just about skill enhancement; it’s about self-awareness and personal development. Engaging in a self-authoring or personal story narrative program can be particularly transformative. Such programs encourage coaches to reflect deeply, think forward, and understand their own narratives. This is crucial in mitigating issues like transference, counter-transference, and projection, which can inadvertently color the coaching relationship and process.
The Trifecta of Thinking, Feeling, and Being
At the core of our actions, beliefs, and perceptions are the fundamental skills of thinking, feeling, and being. These are not just abstract concepts but practical skills that can and should be developed.
1. Thinking: This involves not just the cognitive processes of reasoning and problem-solving but also the ability to think critically, creatively, and reflectively. It’s about developing a mindset that is both open and discerning.
2. Feeling: Emotional intelligence is key here. It’s about understanding and managing one’s emotions, as well as empathizing with others. This skill is vital in building relationships, navigating social complexities, and making decisions that are not just intellectually sound but also emotionally congruent.
3. Being: This is perhaps the most profound, encompassing our sense of self, our values, and our place in the world. It’s about authenticity, presence, and mindfulness. Developing this skill means cultivating a deeper connection with oneself and, by extension, with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of personal and professional development is ongoing and multifaceted. It involves not just learning new things but unlearning and relearning aspects of ourselves. For coaches, this journey is not just a professional requirement but a personal imperative. By continuously revising our personal narratives and honing the skills of thinking, feeling, and being, we can not only better ourselves but also profoundly impact those we guide and mentor.
Tim HJ Rogers
I help people, teams and organisations set and achieve goals.
Supporting the critical thinking and creating the resources and environment for success.
ICF Trained Coach | MBA Management Consultant | Prince2 Project Manager, Agile Scrum Master | AMPG Change Practitioner | Mediation Practitioner | BeTheBusiness Mentor | 4 x GB Gold Medalist | First Aid for Mental Health | Certificate in Applied Therapeutic Skills
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