Problems and Possibilities
Some of my favorite coaching calls start out with the client saying, “I don’t have anything to talk about this week,” and I always say, “Great!” This is because the Inquiry Method works just as well in times of no problems as it does in times of emotional conflict.With the Inquiry Method we are often looking at problems: “This is bothering me,” or “What should I do when this happens . . ..” Dysfunction and inner conflict brings our attention to something. It is, in fact, what the emotions are for. Inquiry method is a useful tool because most of us have not been taught what to do when the emotions show up.On the other hand, when we are not having a problem, we often feel that there is nothing to do, but this also is a perfect moment for Inquiry. It is moment full of possibilities.Inquiry Method is just as useful for looking at what is next, what we would like to create or draw into our lives. Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and it’s true. If we only look at our lives when we are in pain, we limit ourselves to simply reacting to life. If we want to bring in something new, we must dream it in.We often wholly ignore the power of intention and the action of imagining how we want our lives to be. Getting specific about what we want and then forming intention creates that outcome. Is that not worth giving our attention to?This is why we coach. This is why we expose ourselves to new ideas, read books, attend workshops and seminars. We are intending positive changes in our lives.When do you take the time and get the support to identify your deepest desires? When do you take the time to form the intentions and get the skills to manifest them?Inquiry into creating the world you want is pivotal in making things happen, it is critical in your work, with your team, in your family, and most importantly in yourself.