Three Types of Crises We All Face
As I think about it, I see 3 types of crises in people's lives, and I think we are all in one or more at any given time. Let’s explore.
1) Imposed Crises
This is when "stuff" happens TO us. We live in a world where so many things are not as God intended. A diagnosis changes everything, or a misunderstanding. Accidents fall into this category, and expectations. Somehow, we need to press through. Coaching can help people discern God's plan for comfort, guidance, courage, and patience when a crisis like this comes our way. Coaching helps us connect what God has for our real lives. It helps us create new pathways to experience Him in our lives.
2) Chosen Pursuits
A chosen pursuit is simply that - something we chose rather than having it imposed on us. We choose things like a leadership opportunity that stretches us, a project that requires investment, resolving a relational dilemma, or any other goal we decide to pursue.
Coaching helps us keep it up, adjusting the pace and plan as needed. It gives us support, encouragement, and even accountability. Research tells us that goals we keep to ourselves are way less likely to be accomplished.
3) Possible Dreams
Unrealized potential is often an overlooked crisis, but it might be just what needs to be considered. Fear, apathy, overwhelm, and just plain ol' indecision can keep us from saying "yes" to something God has been prompting us to do, causing internal crisis within us
Possible dreams could mean so many things:
- Moving toward a different job or location
- Resolving that relational issue that has been weighing on you
- Starting that project - cleaning the garage, losing weight, writing a book, ...
- Getting that degree you have been thinking about
You get the picture. The pursuit is something you have considered, but have kept on the back burner.
Discerning whether or not to move toward something is huge. Perhaps this is a first step coaching can help with.
Taking a possibility out of what we call the "dream cloud "and planting it in the ground is a valuable, important, and costly first step. But it is just that - a first step.
Next comes identifying obstacles and planning a pathway. For some, the path is clear, but they need strength and encouragement. For others, figuring out the "how" is exactly what is needed in coaching as we set up SMART goals to take steps forward. (Here's more info on SMART goals if that would be helpful.)
One final thought. This third category - choosing to make a dream into a goal is most often neglected, but there are personality types that have a tendency to move too quickly toward making dreams into goals. This personality type has more goals going than most humans could manage.
Whether you tend toward hesitancy or excitement in making goals, good coaching can make all the difference.
If you need coaching, we have a quality team of Associate Coaches ready to partner with you in a variety of arenas. Maybe it is time? Or maybe you are interested in partnering with others using the conversational tools gained in coach training.
Wherever you are in your faith journey, our prayer is that God guides your every next!