When will my life change?

In continuance of the last few blogs, I like to shed some light on what can actually make a difference in your life. I am not a psychologist but have been working as a coach and educator for a long time. In addition I held and hold executive level positions and have a lot of experience working with people in small, medium, and large groups and organizations. What I find fascinating is the simplicity with which things often resolve or problems can be eliminated. That is not only true when it comes to a process, but also when it comes to behaviors. In coaching I often inquire about the things people have done to overcome the issue or problem they are facing. Frequently it is the cause for the coaching in the first place.  I ask people to start telling me exactly what they like to achieve, what the problem is and how it came about. It’s is not unusual for them to tell me: “We have tried everything and nothing really worked”. Going a little deeper it often becomes obvious that a number of real action steps are needed to overcome the blockade, barrier, or hurdle. Most people actually know what these steps could and should be. On the other hand they are very quick to explain why they haven’t done or taken them yet. The bottom line we should all be aware of is: 

Your life will not change when you know what to do. Your life will change when you do what you know! 

Admittedly this requires some reflection and the help of a coach is a good idea. Still, in many cases, after some reflection and maybe some exchange with colleagues, the steps required to overcome a problem and really resolve it at the root or cause point is no longer unknown. We have been conditioned to identify the obstacles, rather then the opportunities. The latter are the stepping stones to solutions and success. Focusing on them will actually lead to change – for ourselves and those we lead. 

Axel Meierhoefer, President AMC LLC