I personally was thrilled to discover the truths about me (the trees) that had been escaping me fro so many years. Yes, I might have thought it painful to learn I had been deceiving myself for 13 years and was not smart enough to see it. But I choose to applaud the fact that I was freed from my own restraining limits. The more I discovered about myself through coaching the more I felt relief and freedom. I couldn’t get enough.

I agree with Susan’s comments – your courage and commitment will support you on the journey. Reflecting on the benefits will help you maintain the courage and commitment.

Some clients find it helpful to take breaks from coaching every once in a while and then return to it later. It’s about staying tuned in to what you’re wanting and needing and being honest.

Thanks for sharing!

I say HUZZAH to you for engaging with this painful process and reaping the rewards!

So, having a guide / partner / provocateur to jumpstart deep insights, expose real (and perceived) obstacles, and expect accountability for action is like a love/hate relationship…we love the results we are getting and the excitement of new-found strengths and possibilities, but hate the often pain-filled process. In that regard you are no different than many other coaching clients, so just hang in there.

But there are 2 other major factors involved: personal courage and commitment. You clearly have those attributes; not everyone does, which is why coaching doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Of course, there are ineffective (“bad”) coaches too, but that’s another story…

When I am career coaching, and I believe this is true for yours, I enter into a PARTNERSHIP in looking for change and success.

Who has said that a career coaching session/s can’t be fun & done with two equals. Just go do it!

(I know you don’t hate your coach, you “hate” being responsible & having to work at the process) Cheers, mjt

Chuck, you have a very interesting question.

I don’t really hate my coach, I just figured that would be an excellent title

BUT, the process is not a cake-walk. It’s not because he annoying, unprofesssional or crosses any lines. And I’m sure I could make it a lot easier if I just… lied. If I were dishonest with him or myself it would be pleasant. But I’m not here for pleasant, I want results. And facing certain truths, responsibilites, etc., coupled with personal growth, is sometimes painful.

At the same time it’s quite exciting. Some rewards that we are shooting for are monetary, but it is stimulating to have a coach that seems like a partner, helping work through various challenges, making sure I have the right priorities, etc.

Could it be less painful? Probably. But I’m guessing when it gets easy is when I won’t need a coach anymore.

Now, I’m not saying all coaching experiences should not be pleasant or free of pain… but for me, right now, this is appropriate.

No matter how educated, experienced, smart, and savvy we are, we can all benefit from good coaching. One of the huge benefits of coaching is clarity — but clarity that organically arises from within us, with the gentle (sometimes tough) guidance of a good coach. That authentic clarity becomes the foundation of our goals — and since it is US, not something laid upon us, that clarity is a driver of action and momentum, keeping us going, even through the tough patches, and helping make tough decisions less tough.

Personally, my business and life are FAR more enjoyable and fulfilling since working with my coach (and I’m a coach myself!). I spend thousands a year with her — and reap FAR more!

Deb Dib, the CEO coach

And to Chuck, growth is painful, no matter who you are or what age. Another awesome, “raw” post Jason! I can feel what you are going through, through the words you wrote in the post. (Hopefully, that makes some sense).