A Coaching Model Created by Jamie McConochie
(Inner Strength Coach, UNITED KINGDOM)
The inspiration for my coaching model has two origins: The human needs psychology of the Strategic Intervention approach developed by Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes; and my experiences from living in a monastery for many years where I learned about ways of connecting with your source of inner strength.
For me this model combines spirituality, in the broadest sense of the word, with everyday human behavior, and brings to coaching an holistic approach using language that is accessible to just about anyone.
As humans we all have basic needs that we try to meet in our everyday lives. Whether consciously or unconsciously we will try to fulfill the needs which are most important to us. However, our quality of life can be affected by how we choose to do that. We can try to fulfill our needs either in a negative and harmful way, or in a positive and empowering way. If the way we try to meet those needs is not in line with our values then we will experience conflict and discontent. When we are able to align our needs with our highest values then we will feel more complete and fulfilled.
Your Best Self
To achieve this we have to work through the barriers and underlying beliefs that hold us back. The process can be facilitated and accelerated when we identify and connect with the source of our inner strength. Everyone has that inner strength and the way in which we connect to it is unique to each of us. When we discover our personal way of connecting with it we have access to a continuous source of power. Regularly drawing on this power source, and at the same time finding how we can harmonize our behavior with our values and our needs, leads to sustained and long-term growth. Through the process we can start to embody our best self even from the beginning.
In the graphical representation of this coaching model, the tree represents the sustained growth where you are already your best self but are able to grow even more. The rainbow spiral represents the alignment of our human needs and our highest values. When the rainbow colours harmonize they produce the white light which is your best self at the top of the tree. Your inner strength is like the power of the Earth below the tree which is a continuous source of nourishment throughout your life.
The Six Human Needs
According to Human Needs Psychology there are six basic needs which are universal and that we all try to fulfill in vary degrees:
- Certainty. The need for security, stability, and reliability.
- Variety. The need for change, stimulation, and challenge.
- Significance. The need to feel acknowledged, recognized, and valued.
- Love and Connection. The need to love and to feel loved, and to feel connected with others.
- Growth. The need to grow, improve and develop, both in character and in spirit.
- Contribution. The need to give, help others, and make a difference.
The first four are the needs of the personality and the last two are more of the spirit. When we are meeting the needs of the personality in ways which are empowering and not harmful, then we will be in a better position to fulfill the needs of the spirit. Discovering which needs are most important to us and how we try to meet those needs is an essential step towards having more harmony in our lives and our relationships.
Which needs are most important for you?
What do you do to meet those needs?
Are you meeting those needs in a way which is empowering or in a way which is destructive?
Values
Values are deeply held views of what we find worthwhile. They may come from many sources such as parents, peers, religion, and culture. Often the values we profess to have may not be the same as what is actually manifesting in our life. This can be as a result of our underlying beliefs, which unconsciously guide our behavior as we try to meet our human needs.
Becoming very clear and specific about our values is a step towards identifying our underlying beliefs and overcoming the barriers that prevent us from embodying our best self. One way to clarify our highest values is to create a detailed vision of the life we would like to be living, and from that identify the values it represents.
What is the vision of your ideal life and your best self?
What values does that vision represent or reflect?
In terms of values, what is presently showing up in your life?
What are the underlying beliefs in that part of your life?
Inner Strength
Everyone has deep within themselves a source of inner strength. Irrespective of any spiritual or non-spiritual beliefs each human being has the capacity to endure, and even thrive, in the face of the most extreme hardship. In fact it is often in moments of utter despair and suffering, when we are left without options and we are forced to look within ourselves, that we find a strength we didn’t realize was there.
But we don’t have to wait for a crisis to discover our inner strength. Right now, in this moment, we can connect to our power source and re-charge ourselves, ready to face whatever challenges the next day brings.
For each person the way in which we tap in to this strength is unique. Some may like to use meditation; others may find it through Nature, or music. There are as many paths as there are individuals in the world. However, once you have this key to your soul you will, at any given moment, be able to access a source of power that can propel you through life, overcoming all barriers and permeating your life with joy.
What in your life has given you inspiration and strength?
If that were a part of your inner being what would it look like?
How could you connect with it on a daily basis?