A Coaching Power Tool created by Akila Raju
(Career Coaching, INDIA)
The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Meaning:
bound•less (ˈbaʊnd lɪs)
adj.
having no bounds; infinite or vast; unlimited.
Limitations
lim·i·ta·tion (lm-tshn)
- The act of limiting or the state of being limited.
- A restriction.
- A shortcoming or defect.
- Law A specified period during which, by statute, an action may be brought.
We all understand that human body has limitations but we also cease to understand the human spirit is boundless and that is what sets us apart.
We need time to clear the clutter in our mind, for that’s what limits us often. We take time to clean the clutter in our lives, our closet, our kitchen, bags, or organise our desk, clear mails and organise our day and mail boxes etc. The results of which are a feeling of spaciousness, organization and freedom of accomplishment in charge and joy.
Yet, we do not take the time to clean out the mind. It is filled with not only useless data but also thoughts that are hurtful and ultimately, limit our choices. It is important to be all too aware of our limitations; the thoughts and feelings that seem to bind the heart and limit the freedom to act effortlessly from our deepest knowing.
Letting go of all the “stuff” in the mind has a freeing effect. The peace that comes from a clear mind is what is needed to be the king of your own kingdom. Most of us are slaves to our minds ruled forever in ways that do not serve us.
How do we move from what we know to acting on it will help make the journey from Limitations to Boundless Potential.
We all want more be it work, life, relationships, – it’s only but human to desire more, no matter whatever stage you are in life. Many of us struggle with the how to get more all the time in Life.
It may seem counter-intuitive but the ancient and perhaps profound saying of ‘know yourself’, may truly be the key. A key that requires us to look within where there are no boundaries, no physical limitations and only the potentially boundless realm of our inner mind and imagination. If only we can find ways to unlearn what we believe we know and shed our ego, expectations, assumptions, presumptions and what we expect to happen. What we discover could be far more amazing, bizarre and filled with wonder than what currently meets the eye.
Boundless practice begins with creating a little space between that which is in our heads and reality with- thought labelling -always an anchor practice, a wonderful beginning because as we stand back from our thoughts we and connect the tension in our bodies connected to these thoughts we begin to see the unreality of all thinking…and then we can get it out of our heads in the good way! and come to our senses.
This starts to slow down the thoughts spinning around endlessly in our minds, and opens a little tiny space for us to begin to see that living in our heads is not living at all.
Boundless energy is created when you notice. Noticing when we want life to be other than how it is in a particular moment…What is it I want to be different right now or change right now?
This expands us to go beyond the limitations that hold us back and taking action to create the boundless realm we want for ourselves.
Application as a coach:
Coaching is one such arena where you can help the client make the shift from limitations to Boundless potential. You need to help them to decide on a plan and get them ready to accept change and make a commitment to action it.
Through a questioning and listening approach, the coach can draw on the individual’s wisdom to transform limiting conversations or habits, and their familiar levels of success or failure, into results that reflect potential.
Beginning with practices of empathy and presence as a coach you will cultivate a steady, and attentive presence. As the qualities of mindfulness and concentration naturally expand, you will seek to bring wisdom to bare and the art of releasing negative thoughts and limitations for the client. This helps create strength, sensitivity and clarity deepens and we help the client realise that the boundless heart is closer to them than their limiting thoughts.
You can help the client discover their passion or dream so as to speak. The passion is a direction that pulls them forward, regardless of the obstacles ahead of them. It is something that both their heart and mind want. As a coach you can’t tell them what it is is. It may be something they chance upon if they open their mind wide enough.
Once they discover their passion it is important to help them find the flow. This happens when the passion is translated into action.
Coaching Principles that this is based on:
- People are more knowledgeable and resourceful than they perceive themselves to be.
- Powerful questions are worth more than advice.
- Every person is responsible for his/her own actions.
- Everything is an opportunity…an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Calculated risk-taking, experimenting and failure give birth to learning.
- Every person has the creative thinking within for solving life/business issues and improving performance.
- Challenges bring out the best in people. One hasn’t started living life until they get out of their comfort zone.
Some closing reflections:
The tool can be used by the coach when one senses that the client is unable to gain clarity and the problem he or she is facing is limiting the clients ability to move forward and discover his/her true potential.
This power tool can be used in conjunction with other tools like visualisation, relaxation, CBT and can help the client discover his/her true potential in context of what he/she wants to achieve.