A Coaching Model Created by Dawn Falato
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
“Fire Art Work” photo by Bhumi Joshi
The Power of Fire
Fire is illuminating, warming and transformative. It is an energy exchanger, dynamic and alive.
There is an undeniable connection between how we speak about our enthusiasm for life and the concept of “fire”. When we are asked,
What lights your fire?
we respond with a list of things that make us feel fully engaged with life. Additionally, being
on fire,
means being at our best; shining brightly. Conversely, when we talk about being
burned out
we are referring to our enthusiasm about something in our life being exhausted.
The FIRE coaching model aims at enthusing and empowering clients to be at their best. Below is a description of its four components; Friction, Intention, Respond and Empower followed by a description of the model in action.
Friction
When we seek coaching or support in creating a life shift, it is very likely initiated by the friction between where we are now and where we would like to be. The two cannot exist in the same person without creating some conflict. This may feel like longing or confusion. Or, it may equal a surge in energy, pushing us into motion! This spark allows the client to begin the process of exploring questions surrounding who they are (their values, beliefs, strengths, etc.) and what actions they can take to support the changes that they would like to see.
Intention
Out of our awareness of the current situation and the part we play in it, we can develop an intention with which to bring to our lives. Often, what we think has been our intention changes with more self-knowledge. An intention is not a single action, but a lasting direction. For example, we may, at first, think in that in order to improve our work life that our intention would be to find a new job. With a closer look, we find that our actual intention is enjoy our work life from now until our retirement. The latter intention will obviously have a much longer-lasting impact on a client’s life, but will require a more thorough exploration of what makes that client energized by working, and how the other aspects of their lives may support them to this end.
Respond
The client brings their intention into their lives and responds to life in ways that support that intention. Every moment of our lives presents us with an opportunity to respond in the direction of our goals. When we know what our intentions are, we can be mindful of how we are (or how we are not) supporting them. For example, the person who knows that their intention is to enjoy their work life will respond to their current work situation with an empowering new mindset that may even illuminate how they may enjoy their current position. Their intention will also enable them to continue to explore whether options outside of that position would be more satisfying.
Empower
Each time we respond from a place of self-knowledge and clear intention, we are empowered. Our full “fire” can be felt, as we are lit up by this authentic expression of who we are. The word, Empower, can also be applied to the practical step of creating the structures that will insure that our positive life changes be lasting ones.
FIRE in Action!
Below is an example of the FIRE coaching model as applied to a life coaching client.
Friction
Molly A. finds that her desire for quiet time consistently conflicts with a packed work and social schedule. This is the point of friction that begins the coaching relationship.
Intention
Through exploration, Molly discovers that some of her underlying beliefs about productivity do not support her need for self-care. Out of this she creates an intention to be self-loving.
Respond
Molly carries her awareness and intention into her day-to-day life, responding to her calendar in a way that prioritizes self-care. Some of the old friction still exists, but the more success she has in scheduling and experiencing down time, the more she trusts in her new direction.
Empower
Molly’s confidence in the ability to care for herself within her schedule informs and inspires her decision to draw out a plan for her future. She had been harboring a dream about starting a business, but had doubts about how she was going to get everything done while taking care of herself. She is now able to envision completing the steps she needs to complete while honoring her new found peace.
