One of my clients was in a slump recently.
Deep in the doldrums, with too much to do, too little time, and, worst of all, no energy or enthusiasm for taking the next step.
Maybe you’ve been there. I know I have.
December is a bit funny like that. Another year is ending. For those who celebrate the holidays, there is a lot to look forward to … and a lot of bone-crushing work to do in the meantime. Let’s face it: not everyone is merry and bright.
As I write this, I’m reminded of the words of Robert Hargrove. In his book, Masterful Coaching (my copy is dog-eared and highlighted throughout), he says that we have two kinds of stories that we tell ourselves. Rut stories and river stories.
Rut stories, says Hargrove, keep us stuck in old ways of thinking and being, and they often keep us frozen in inaction. River stories depict personal growth, learning, potential, and possibility.
My client was deeply entrenched in a rut story. I have experienced these ruts in my own life many times over the years. I bet you have too. This season tends to bring these stories to the forefront.
Hargrove says, “To a great extent, what determines whether your story becomes, in Shakespearean terms, a comedy or a tragedy is whether you become enlightened and transform your rut story into a river story.”
Where are you finding yourself as we approach 2024? Have you accomplished all that you hoped? Are there goals and challenges that still need to be met?
More importantly, what are you telling yourself about these things? How do you frame the past, the present and the future?
Are you creating ruts or rivers?
The great news is that this year’s ruts can become next year’s rivers with a bit of self-awareness and an earnest desire to change things up.
I have a print on the wall above my desk with the words of Erin Hanson. They never fail to inspire me when I am slipping into a rut. It says:
“There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky,
and you ask, what if I fall? Oh, but darling, what if you fly?”
I invite you to take some time over this holiday season to pause and reflect. This is the perfect time for a reset. That’s what I’ll be doing.
If mentor coaching is on your to-do list for next year, download the 2024 Group Mentor Coaching Schedule.
Cathy Shaughnessy, MCC, is an active ICF Assessor and ICF Mentor Coach Specialist for ACC, PCC and MCC. A graduate of the Royal Roads University Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, Cathy has been coaching since 2008 and brings extensive experience as an executive coach, mentor coach, coach educator and assessor to her work with coaches.
Through Perspective In Action, Cathy provides mentor coaching and creates practical resources for coaches preparing for ICF credentials, credentialing exams, renewal and ongoing professional development. Her courses, exam preparation resources and learning tools help coaches deepen their understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, PCC Markers, Code of Ethics and Core Values, and apply that knowledge thoughtfully in their coaching.
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