A Coaching Power Tool Created by Tina Jarrous
(Relationship Coach, LEBANON)
I discovered Yoga around 5 years ago. It happened at a time when I was going through an emotional down due to heartbreak. And boy was it so therapeutic.
However, throughout my practice, I constantly struggled with the fact that I wasn’t flexible enough, elongated enough, or even strong enough. I could’ve taken it as a challenge, but I was only focusing on my imperfections that always left me demotivated and disappointed.
Perfection
What is the definition of Perfection? According to Merriam-Webster:
1a: being entire without fault or defect: FLAWLESS
b: satisfying all requirements: ACCURATE
c: corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept
When a client is a perfectionist, their attention will always be around being entirely right. No room for error. Proving to themselves of being on the top of their game. Focusing continuously on the result.
All of this is a cause of stress, struggle, dissatisfaction, and demotivation.
This is what I describe as the Performance Mindset.
Now let’s take a look at Progress.
What is the definition of Progress? According to Merriam-Webster:
1a: forward or onward movement (as to an objective or a goal): ADVANCE
b: gradual betterment
So Progress is when a client is working their way through the process. Moving forward and fine-tuning as they go with the flow. Observing the baby steps that are bettering them. It’s the gradual shift from good to better.
The focus is more on the process rather than on the result. Which rids of stress and struggle while accentuating motivation, satisfaction, and reward.
This is what I describe as an Experimental Mindset.
As a coach, I help my clients reframe their perspective. Through powerful questioning, they gain awareness of the impediments that accompany the Performance mindset, and the rewards that they will gain from adopting the Experimental mindset.
It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs. Jillian Michaels