Coaching Model: The Possible Life

A Coaching Model Created by Josh Hersh
(Transformational Coach, UNITED STATES)

The Possible Life Coaching Model puts you, the client, as the source and center of creating your Possible Life. This model is centered around the belief that every living being is both tangible matter and invisible spirit. As humans, we not only want to reach certain Hard Goals (deadlines, dream job, relationships, amount of wealth), but also search for and desire Soft Goals (temperament, spiritual journey, values, beliefs) that combine to add up to a fulfilled life.

This model isn’t entirely linear, but this model serves as a rough outline of how I work with clients:

1. Possible Life (The Big Picture. What Could Be.)

We begin with exploring your own Possible Life. What the ideal life would look like for you. This is an exercise in imagination and suspension of asking “what’s realistic”. The purpose is to allow you to explore what Hard Goals (tangible/measured/outer) and Soft Goals (spiritual/experiential/inner) are most important. And when you accomplish or embody those goals, how will your life look different? What gets you excited and motivated about this Possible Life?

Recap

• Paint the picture of where you want to be and who you want to be
• Explore & Establish Hard Goals: Tangible / Measured / Outer
• Explore & Establish Soft Goals: Spiritual / Experiential / Inner

Sample coaching questions

• If money, time, or other constraints weren’t present, what would you do?
• What idea have you tended to “shoot down” in the past?
• Imagine we’re in our very last session together. What will be different in your life?
• What would a “dream day” for your look like?

2. Undercurrents (Exploration of Beliefs)

Undercurrents is an ongoing exploration of the beliefs you have and hold. How you view yourself, the world, and how you show up in family, work, or social events. Throughout the coaching program, we’ll also dive into where your focus is on a daily and weekly basis. This is important because our energy goes into what we focus on. We’ll also explore the meaning you give to events in your life. Empowering you to realize you are able to give meaning to and and every event.

Recap

• Who you are (strengths, story, situation in the world)
• The outside world (supportive, adversary, collaborator)
• Situations (choosing how you show up)
• Your Focus (where is your mind dwelling most often? ex. Fear. Lack. Hope.)
• Meaning (what you give meaning to)

Sample coaching questions

• How could you view that person or situation from a different vantage point?
• Is that really true?
• What if that meant something different to you?
• How might this belief be keeping you from getting where you want to be?

3. Paths + Play (Paths to Possible Life)

Paths + Play is where the we brainstorm and consider the many paths to your Possible Life. We examine old, limiting beliefs that have held you back in the past. You will consciously consider and suggest different ways to get to where you want to be – with both Hard Goals and Soft Goals. As the coach, I insert a level of play and lightheartedness. I encourage you, the client, to see your weekly Field work as opportunities to experiment, tinker, and play. Have fun!

Recap

• There are many ways, means, paths to get to where you want to be
• Keep an open, learner’s mind
• Experiment, tinker, and play during journey to Possible Life
• Have freakin’ fun!!

Sample coaching questions

• How could you insert more fun and playfulness into this next week?
• What if life wasn’t so serious?
• What is one thing you’d say is holding you back?
• What would be three different ways to achieve the same goal?

4. Consistent Creation

Consistent Creation is all about you creating your life, hour by hour, day by day, week by week. You are in the driver’s seat and can do as much or as little as you choose. Creation is accomplished through taking a new action, embracing a new thought, or discovering a new belief. Consistent Creation serves as momentum to propel you toward your Possible Life.

Recap

• Steps forward
• New action, new thoughts, new beliefs
• Momentum
• Weekly “field work”

Sample coaching questions

• What are you most proud of that you accomplished this week?
• What’s the first step to making that a reality?
• How can you best hold yourself accountable?
• What sorts of obstacles might pop up along the way?

5. Arrival + Recycle

Arrival + Recycle comes at the end of the coaching relationship. This is where your Hard Goals have been met, even if they’ve changed a little throughout the process. You’ve also started to embody and realize your Soft Goals. During this time, we review where you’ve been, where you are today, and to celebrate how far you’ve come. The coaching relationship can end at this point or we continue to work together, going back to your Possible Life picture, tweaking it, and continuing through the model.

Recap

• Accomplishing Hard Goals
• Realizing or embodying Soft Goals
• Review Possible Life picture
• Re-examine Undercurrents + Paths forward
• Celebrate!

Sample coaching questions

• Describe how far you’ve come.
• What’s changed since we started working together?
• How is the person you are today different from the person you were months ago?
• What else do you want? (Go back to step 1)

Theories Used

Appreciative Inquiry: Magnifying the strengths of the client and what will help them. What’s working for the client that they can build upon.

Mindfulness: Helping you to cultivate awareness in the every day. Noticing what’s going on, while reserving judgment. This is incredibly important in order to raise awareness about yourself.

Cognitive Behavioral Theory: The Possible Life model leans heavily on the connection between thoughts, actions, mood, and behavior. Addressing the client in a holistic way is vital.

The Possible Life Coaching Model Visual