In traditional life coaching, there is a great emphasis on self-improvement, sometimes it seems at any cost. And I truly believe that we are at our best when we develop, learn and grow, at all ages.
But recently I’ve been having conversations about finding balance in the quest for change. Because if the root of that desire for improvement is self-hatred, or a need to annihilate huge parts of who we are, then that doesn’t feel like improvement at all.
It feels more like self-destruction. A cruel, harsh place to be, full of angst and stress. And stress and angst are the enemies of contentment, potential, thriving and – ironically – change.
Improvement is about stretching, adding, not obliterating.
It’s about releasing that which no longer serves, but with compassion and an understanding that these things developed as a means of protecting us or as reactions to our experiences.
And it’s about celebrating who we really are – playing to our strengths whilst also developing the ability to live in harmony with our limitations, contradictions and complexities. With our humanity.
I love helping my clients to embrace their real selves and build a quiet confidence in all that they are.
And then of course, reach for those goals and ambitions, but from the firm foundation of feeling at ease in their own skin.
It’s growth without fix; development without demolition, self-improvement without self-annihilation. And it’s a beautiful thing.
Why not give it a go – or come and have a chat if you’d like a helping hand.
