Saturday 6 November 2010

Fear of Failure and Learning to Walk

I’ve just enjoyed one of the most rewarding coaching days ever. There are often many things holding us back, preventing us from achieving our potential, or just stopping us from taking the next step. These can include fear of failure, worrying what others will think, distractions, lack of support, and many more besides!

Sometimes coach/client confidentiality makes it difficult to blog about coaching, but when you’re coaching a one year old to walk, it’s a bit different. We spent several hours today clinging onto the vtech walker, going round and round the lounge and up and down the hall. Fell down about 30 times, but got back up again 31 times.

It was wonderful to watch the progress throughout the day, to offer encouragement rather than advice, and to guide rather than interfere. It felt like coaching in its purest form. There was no doubt in my mind that she would soon be able to walk unaided (yes, I know how lucky we are that this is the case).

Sure, there were distractions (radiator thermostats, rugs, cats, and invisible things on the carpet that needed studying), but what was really refreshing is that there was absolutely no fear of failure, no judgement, just constant progression and positivity.

Looking back to simpler times can often be really inspirational. Feel good about the tumbles, learn from them and take encouragement, because if you don’t try, you’ll never know.

1 comment:

George Smith said...

Great post Guy, congratulations. It is a clear case of praise the effort, not the result. Now you need eyes in the back of your head!