Abstract:

A blog from the Obama/Romney years . . . seems almost quaint now.  However we can still learn valuable lessons about ourselves if we stop ranting.  Take a deep breath, and seek to understand yourself and your world.

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“Never write about religion or politics!”  Well so much for that idea…

It’s Decision 2012 in the USA and last week the New Hampshire primary had me thinking of a variety of life coaching questions.

Qualified and effective coaches begin the process of building a strong alliance with a client by asking empowering questions – questions that require thoughtful and often provocative responses.

Here are some questions to consider gleaned from the political melee:

1. It takes healthy arrogance for a person to believe he or she is qualified to become the President of the United States.   When in your life have you been accused of arrogance when you believed so strongly in what you wanted and went after it?  How did you overcome the misplaced criticism?

2. Putting yourself out there on the campaign trail means not everyone will agree with you, but many will. How often do you “people please” in order to prevent looking like the “bad person?”

3. The primary season is about who wins and who loses.  To what extent can you reframe set-backs as opportunities for growth and learning, creating only a “win” scenario? Heck, many politicians lose before they ever win.

4. The candidate who performs well always looks like he or she is having the most fun.  How can you start having more fun before the outcome you desire is realized?

5. A successful candidate is able to control the campaign’s messaging.  However, tactical flexibility in the service of a clearly defined strategy is equally significant.  In your personal life how often does the “need” for controlling the little things translate into lack of choice, lack of freedom, lack of well-being and the loss of the big picture?

A talented coach challenges, empathizes, and partners with his or her client in an effort to take the client from the functional to the optimal.

It’s an amazing profession!  During this tumultuous political year let’s see what you can learn about yourself as you witness a select few pursue a dream that takes guts, guile and a healthy dose of blind faith.

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If you have any questions about coaching please feel free to contact me at scott@kineticcoaching.co, and remember I always offer a complimentary 30-45 minute session to prospective clients to determine if we want to work together.