Coaches, mentors and self-discovery

Coaching, according to Wikipedia, is the practice of guiding an individual through a process. It refers to practical knowledge and that is why it is very important for a coach to be both an experienced professional and a good trainer. Generally speaking I am very careful, suspicious even, around coaches. Most of them have been self declared coaches and have no training and little or no experience.

Mentoring, is having a master of our guilt, leveling up our game by revealing the secrets of the profession we are following. Or we may have a mentor that influences our values, principles and thus our character. A mentor is a person we know and trust. A role model.

Both coaches and mentors can help us pave the path or our lives (personal or professional) via learning / training. But there is also another way. One that requires noone else but ourselves.

This is the road of self discovery. A journey of being aware of the pros and cons of ourselves, our true goals, potentials, strengths, weaknesses, the way we deal with everyday challenges and, eventually, how we live our lives.

The path to self discovery lies in self reflection. At least that is the most effective way I know until today.

SELF-REFLECTION EXERCISE — THE WALK!

– By the end of each week, find a couple of hours and take a walk alone.

– When you start walking have in hand the 4-5 most important incidents of the week. Personal, professional, related to relationships, business choices, how you treated someone or a challenge you faced.

– If you don’t have a good memory take a note to your mobile.

– Whole you walk replay the incident in your head and try to watch it as an objective observer.

– How does yourself look to you in this specific incident. Are you kind, mean, are you abusive, respectful, to you judge or are you a good listener?

– Repeat the exercise every week for at least a month.

– You can optionally record some of your thoughts using the voice assistant of your phone and a notepad application.