Thanks to my friends at Christopher Howard companies, I got this great analogy for the coaching relationship … and how to make the most of it when you’re the client.
Investing in coaching is like buying a lawn mower.
When you buy a lawn mower, you get an instruction manual of how to use it, but you have to supply the gas, and you’re the one who’s got to mow the lawn. (Unless of course you hire that out, but that’s another analogy … called delegation).
When you sign up for a coaching relationship, you may get an instruction manual or some verbal instructions about how to interact with that coach. But no matter how good that coach is at catalyzing your life (aka mowing the lawn), you’re the one who has to supply the passion (gas), and you’re the one who’s got to take the actions (mowing) to make your life (lawn) the way you want it.
Is the coaching (lawn mower) still a good investment even though it doesn’t automatically create the effects you want immediately with purchase?
Well, until you find someone who’s willing to make your life just like you like it (mow your lawn), I’d say it’s one of the best investments in yourself you could make. And with the right coach (one who fits you and your desires well), it’s probably the best investment you could make.
If you want to read the “manual” for coaching with me or you want to give the lawn mowing process a spin, check out my current life coaching offers here: http://www.catalize.com/coach.html
