"How Will You Know?" [Pendulum Perspective]
In this series, we'll explore the Pendulum Process, where we examine different aspects of life through a pendulum perspective. We will explore how to discuss both sides of a focus, define the edges, and help people discern what's next.
So there I was coaching a young go-getter who had ANOTHER great idea.Â
This guy was a genius. Full of passion. Devoted to God, his family, and furthering the kingdom! He's the real deal. I'm not sure exactly what God has for him, but I definitely feel honored to know him and to walk with him in this season of his life.
So, what's the problem? Glad you asked.Â
This wasn't Joe*'s first great idea. He is one of those people who is loaded with great ideas. You know the kind. It can seem they have a different plan every time you talk to them. And all of them are viable. Some of them actually move on, but often they bite off more than they can chew.Â
I didn't serve Joe well the day he proposed this particular idea. Instead, I listened and partnered with h...
Have You Heard Of The Other AI?!
There is quite a buzz about Artificial Intelligence, and this is just the beginning. We are living through the technological revolution.
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Artificial Intelligence is powerful, to be sure. It scans entire libraries of written and recorded thoughts in moments. It saves time. It digs deep. It pulls from a broad knowledge base. It is truly astounding what can be done, and we are just beginning to harness the possibilities!
Today, let's talk about the other AI.
ACTUAL INTERACTION
Actual Interaction is way more VALUABLEÂ than Artificial Intelligence. Don't get me wrong. Artificial Intelligence has its place. While we all need information, and it is astounding how fast we can get it now, but what we all need even more than information is actual interaction. Human connection. Caring, thoughtful, listening, and actual interaction fuels our souls.Â
God designed us to need others. God is the one who said to Adam, "It is not good for man to be alone." Think about it. Adam had God for a friend...
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.Â
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.Â
Coaching helps us keep it up, adjusting the pace and plan as n...
7Â Valid Reasons NOT to Take Coach Training
Okay, this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but consider these thoughts. (Maybe coach training is worth considering?!)*
#1 I don't want to set up a coaching practice, so coach training is overkill.Â
While we do help professionals set up a practice, most of our trainees use their coaching in their real life jobs, families, and friendships.
#2 My conversations are impactful, and the people I interact with walk away with a plan. I rarely have repeat conversations with anyone who has the same issues over and over.Â
If you are like most people, you have recurring conversations that are not life-givng for you or the other person. Coach Training helps identify the value of choosing to name an issue rather than just keep talking about it, and then making a plan to address whatever is going on.
#3 I'm living my life on purpose and feel I am making quality decisions about where to focus.
Coach Training not only helps you help others, it helps you help yourself. Taking your hopes and dreams out of...
Two Simple Questions That Could Shape Your Future
As you reflect on the past year and consider the one upcoming, here are two simple questions that could shape your future.Â
User warning:Â Keep in mind that God may be speaking to you through your own desires, but also that, as humans, we are all susceptible to wanting things to be comfortable and resolved.
Question #1: What do you want less of in your life?
Right away, a list of things comes to my mind. I'll share a few ideas, but as you answer, try to narrow it down to just a few. (Remember the post about bullet point journaling- IÂ some ideas from there.)
In no particular order, here are some things to want less of: hurry, hurt, obligation, overwhelm, confusion, frustration, anger, self-pity, worry, disconnection, fear, angst, lack, sadness, shame, tiredness, or feeling behind. If you found yourself wondering why I chose a certain word and not another, maybe the word you thought of is a good one for your list.Â
Okay - reread the list and see if you can narrow it down to three.
Q...
Meet Cindy: Curiosity led the way!
Cindy and I first met on the phone when I answered her inquiry email. Her coach training journey began when she simply followed her curiosity and considered how she could help others.
Her answers tell the story!
How did you become interested in Coach Training?
What began as mentoring a younger individual who needed space to process emotions and situations awakened a deep awareness of my influence on others. It stirred in me a desire to become my best self.
I began asking: How can I offer perspective without getting in the way of her journey? How can I honor both her truth and mine when our views differ, yet still move forward with integrity?
Coach training helped me understand and differentiate between those roles—learning how to truly come alongside another person with presence, curiosity, and respect.
What did you like best about the training itself?
Engaging. Personable. The facilitators didn’t just teach coaching principles—they modeled them. Their authenticity and skill b...
3 Vital Questions to Stay On Course [Inspired by Eric Scott's message]
My husband recently shared 3 intriguing questions he highlighted in a message for a staff meeting. They sparked an insightful conversation for us and brought some clarity for where I am at personally.
He was speaking from a passage in 2 Timothy 4:6-8,
6 My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life.  7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  8 Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day—not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.
Here are the questions Eric posed.
1. Am I in the right race?Â
A race implies a certain end goal. The question implores us to consider where we are headed. If we can't answer that question, it may even cause us to invest some time in an evaluation of the chapter of life we are in. (Our Destiny by Design course could help with th...
Meet Kent: Bridges Alumni, Coach, Author and Originator
What's an originator? I'm glad you asked. (I may have made up the word.) An Originator is someone who creates original content. They have their own IP (Intellectual Property - I didn't make that one up.)
Kent originated the REST assessment and offers it for free! I would encourage you to take the assessment, but first let's hear his coach training story.
How did you first hear about coach training?
Honestly, two things were happening. First, I had been hearing about the coaching paradigm for a few years and had some respected friends who raved about it, including some friends who had trained with Bridges Coaching, and it piqued my interest. Being a voracious learner and practitioner, I get excited to learn new leadership skills. Second, I was kind of frustrated with old ministry paradigms. I wanted to see people get breakthroughs, but realized the old discipleship paradigm of “telling” doesn’t work with every personality. Additionally, had been thinking about doing coach training fo...
This Just In - Commentary On Coach Training
In the Bridges Life Coach certification course, we use a variety of adult learning techniques, and one of them is online discussion. We share different questions throughout the learning process so the trainees can interact with the material and process it by restating it, or sharing how it applies in their own life situations.Â
Among other things, we share about topics like why it is often hard to trust that God has a plan, what it looks like to actively listen in a real life situations, or how to ask empowering questions.Â
The following comment came from a list-building question requesting input on honest reasons we like to retain control. The trainee's words are in blue and italics.Â
I take control because apparently I know what's best for everyone!! I never knew I was such a know-it-all all when it comes to other people's lives! But it is out of concern and wanting what is best for them.
I love the honesty here! Whether we acknowledge it or not, most of us do think we know what...
What's Changed? (Think of last year this time.)
People don't often stumble into change.Â
Goals are rarely met without a plan.Â
"Situations" usually need attention to be resolved.Â
THIS IS WHERE COACHING COMES IN!
Whether you are the one who needs forward movement OR you want to truly help others on their journey, coaching and/or coach training is likely just what you need.Â
Personally, we've all been there - excuses, blame, or minimizing lead our thinking patterns regarding any particular area, and we just don't do anything. Maybe we wouldn't even define it as being "stuck", maybe we don't like that word, or we haven't even thought about being intentional in a certain area. We just carry on with our lives as usual.Â
Maybe you have family members, co-workers or friends that either talk about a certain area all the time, but aren't doing anything about it, or they avoid a certain area, and you wish they would talk about it and do something.
Coach training helps will ALL of these arenas!
You can be a conduit for change!
Next c...