The Journey of Thirds

A Coaching Model By Maya Dreifus, Career Coach, UNITED STATES

“What’s Next” The Journey of Thirds

I have been the same person since I was four years old – fierce, determined, curious, loyal, and, of course, bossy. Still, it took two degrees,10yrs+ of work experience, and both group and individual coaching to get to the job I’m meant to have – one where I use my strengths to lead my growing team and amplify their achievements. Why?

First, I let external inputs define my success. Then, I prioritized the needs of others over my own. Finally, when I was ready to focus on myself, I didn’t know where to start. What am I good at? Why do people come to me? What energizes me? How do I know I’ve found the “right” job? That I’m exactly where I’m meant to be?

My self-reflection was lengthy and meaningful. I started with the ADVanced Insights Profile test_[1]. The test illuminated my DISC profile and which of the Seven Dimensions of Value and Motivation spoke to me. I used the CliftonStrengths Assessment_[2] and was blown away by its accuracy. This tool gave me the vocabulary to explain what I bring to the table. I created the outline of my perfect job description. Then I talked about it to anyone who would listen. The whole process took over a year. But what if it didn’t have to?

My coaching niche is to support those who are ready to define their “what’s next” to get exactly where they’re meant to be. Through the Journey of Thirds coaching model, I will work with my clients to help them find joy and professional fulfillment.

The Journey of Thirds Explanation

The Journey of Thirds coaching model will help my clients go through each part of the self-reflection process in a focused, accessible way at a pace that makes sense for them. They will work toward a total of three goals, one at a time. With each one, what may have been an anxiety-inducing process will become an energizing journey of self-discovery. With each success, there will be a hunger for more. Ultimately, my clients will conquer it all and actualize their bridge to “what’s next”.

The first third is where the client defines who they are. I will partner with my client, enriching the coaching experience with the Wheel of Life, Core Values, and ClifftonStrengths tools and assessments, to support the building of this awareness. The goal is to establish what the person is uniquely amazing at – what are their superpowers. The journey to this awareness is very important, as the client not only needs to understand and verbalize what they bring to a team, family, or circle of friends but to truly believe in their own qualities. As the client begins to draw regular parallels between these qualities and their actions and successes, they are ready to move to the next third of their journey.

The second third is where the client visualizes where they’re meant to be. What is the end goal they’re trying to achieve with regards to their “what’s next”? This part of the journey may take the most time, as the client will need to explore what they are reaching towards, what that looks like, what about it is energizing for them, and what is the importance of understanding that end goal. What may start as broad strokes on a foggy day will ultimately become detailed, crisp, and clear. There may be multiple starts and stops, as the client works to bring into focus the image that intuitively speaks to them. Once they’re clear on the detailed visual, they will move to the final third.

The third provides the space for the client to create the roadmap for how to get from “here” to “there”. What is the first step the client can take toward their new reality? What is the time horizon for the transformation? What obstacles could come up and what support would they need to keep moving forward? Proactively problem-solving at a time when the client is focused and rational will help them push past resistance, underlying beliefs, and obstacles that they may encounter along the way. How will they measure their progress and what are they learning about themselves throughout this process? How will they feel once they’ve achieved this goal? Helping the client to experience the joy and energy, and inspiring and motivating them will make the transformation more tangible and within reach.

Using the Journey of Thirds Model

My motivation behind building and using the Journey of Thirds model is to touch the individual’s heart and soul. To leave no part of them unturned as they embark on this self-exploration. The journey itself will likely be more important than the result of their “what’s next”. Learning about oneself will lead to a better overall outcome, not only in one area of the client’s life but all around. It certainly did for me. The four-year-old girl has grown into a confident, driven, resilient woman who has created her own mountain and is exactly where she needs to be – making a direct impact.

References

_[1]ADVanced Insights
_[2]CliftonStrengths Assessment
Other: Image used in Journey of Thirds graphic