A Coaching Model Created by Amanda Olender
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
At points in our lives, many of us have felt stuck and unable to take action. Whether it has been feeling stuck in our career, relationship, family or school, we are unable to move forward in whatever direction it may be. Being stuck can lead to feelings of boredom, frustration, unhappiness and anxiety. The goal of my INSPIRE coaching model is to help people dig deep within themselves to conquer the obstacles that are getting in their way and to ultimately, find what inspires them to make a change.
Inspiration
When we are inspired, we truly want something for which we have an enduring desire to achieve it, we are continually interested and committed to having it, we make time for it and make it a priority. Inspiration is a feeling that makes us chase our dreams and realize the endless possibilities. With inspiration, we can make our dreams a reality.
Many of us are inspired by ordinary people around us. We appreciate when someone has the ability and willingness to be selfless, creative, innovative or just dares to be different. One doesn’t need to be a celebrity or person of power to inspire others. Ordinary people can inspire and be inspired. Here are some qualities of inspiring people:
- Courage
- Empathy for Others
- Express Love and Appreciation
- Emotionally Healthy
- Believe in Collective Power
Besides people, we can also be inspired by inspirational quotes and the pure beauty of nature. We can be inspired by anything in life. Having a positive outlook is a crucial part of finding inspirations, sometimes when we least expect it.
Every one of one us can be inspired and can also be an inspiration to others. The INSPIRE model will provide clients with the tools and support needed to formulate a plan filled with joy that propels them forward with confidence and enthusiasm. Connecting a person with what makes them happy, peaceful and purposeful, not only makes them happier but can also help them become a healthier and more fulfilled person in relationships, at work and in the world.
The INSPIRE Coaching Model helps the client:
- Own the freedom to be their authentic self.
- Reignite the spark of inspiration within that informs them of their true purpose.
- Reconnect with what has meaning for them.
- Create a life plan based on what they "love" to do rather than what they think they "should" do.
- Design an action plan that allows them to express the talents and gifts that are uniquely theirs.
- Transform any negative mindsets into those that support and uplift them.
- Balance the "doing" with the "being" of life.
Identify
The client identifies the topic for discussion and their goal for the session/coaching journey. The coach identifies who the client is at their core. Their beliefs, their strengths, weaknesses and view of the world. The coach supports the client in their exploration journey and in the process of getting to know who they are by creating a safe space, being an active listener and by staying present with the client.
Questions to ask:
- What would you like to discuss during our session?
- What would a successful outcome be for you?
- What is important for you about that outcome?
- What will be different for you once you have achieved that outcome?
- How can I best support you in the process?
Now
It is important for the client to articulate, and for the coach to understand, what is happening now for them. Their feelings, passions, challenges, and what they are looking to change. Awareness can begin to emerge for the client.
Questions to ask:
- How are you feeling now about the situation?
- What is missing for you?
- What have you done so far?
Self Awareness
Self-awareness is a lifelong journey of discovery. It is a process of getting to know who you are and who you are becoming. It takes self-awareness to know what you really want and why.
A coach can support the client in achieving greater self-awareness by asking powerful questions, giving the client plenty of space to think and by sharing observations.
Questions to ask:
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What makes you happy?
- What makes you unhappy?
- What challenges are you facing?
Purpose
With a clear purpose or goal, one can then set the right plans and take the right steps to create their most meaningful life. Before one can determine their life purpose, they must eliminate the idea that they do not have one. When one knows their life purpose, it helps them to differentiate between the important and unimportant. People can discover their purpose by exploring their passions, creating a vision board, reading and connecting with others.
Questions to ask:
- What is your life’s purpose?
- What do you love to do more than anything else?
- Who are you when you are doing what you love?
- What would you do with your life if you knew you could not fail?
Intention
In order to pursue their purpose, one needs intention. The intention is the course of action one takes to achieve its purpose. People without clear intentions tend to roll aimlessly from one situation to another. Intentions are in line with values and beliefs. Intentions show HOW one will live their purpose.
Questions to ask:
- How do you want to live your purpose?
- What is the reason you are doing this?
- What obstacles or beliefs are getting in the way?
- What do you need to remove those obstacles?
- What do you need to replace those beliefs with new ones?
Reflection
Reflection provides the opportunity to pause and assess one’s values, skills and goals. Reflecting is an important way to sort through observations and experiences which can inform future mindsets.
Questions to ask:
- How are you feeling now compared to when we first started?
- What new learnings or perspectives do you have?
- How will you use this new learning or perspective?
Empower
Personal empowerment involves developing the confidence and strength to set realistic goals and fulfil your potential. Once a person has reflected and is aware of their values and goals, they are empowered to take control and achieve their goals. Setting goals that are specific and realistic, give a person a sense of direction in life. This direction is essential to personal growth and empowerment.
Questions to ask:
- What actions will you take?
- What do you need to move into action?
- By when will you do this?
- What support or resources do you need to ensure this happens?
Conclusion
As a coach, my goal is to partner with my clients as they discover their greatness, uncover their passions, and use them to be inspired and live their best life. When we live an inspired and passionate life, we unknowingly become an inspiration to others.
