Coaching Works, Mentoring Inspires, Spiritual Direction Helps…
One damaging myth that many people believe is “I can do it myself!” We learn this attitude, and often this exact phrase, when we are around 18-24 months old. While cute, or at the very least entertaining, coming from a toddler, this attitude often becomes a great obstacle to adults. Other ways of saying, “I can do it myself” include “I don’t need any help” and “I know everything I need to know.”
There is a beautiful side to the desire to do things for ourselves when we are young and learning to navigate the world, and some adults could benefit from doing more things by themselves; but for those who refuse help, instruction, or teamwork, this “I’ll do it myself” attitude becomes a road block that impedes forward motion.
When my firstborn was around 6 years old, she proudly announced to me and Lora, “I am finished with school. I know everything I need to know.” She supported her claim by reminding us that she could read, count, and do art projects! While amused, we did not cancel her future educational plans.
As the youngest of five children I received quite an education from watching my siblings in both their successes and their failures. Those events taught me that while experience may be the best teacher, I could save myself a lot of trouble by learning lessons from their experiences. There were times, of course, when refusing to learn from the experience of others I rushed headlong into my own experience. Those moments also contained educational value because I learned that I could seek and find help to get out of the situations I had created.
I have been greatly blessed to have coaches, mentors, and spiritual directors in my life. I have learned that Coaching works, Mentoring inspires, and Spiritual Direction helps. If you are dealing with problems or obstacles and could use a good coach, reach out and get one; that is not an admission of failure, it is an act of wisdom. If you feel the need for a reliable guide on your vocational path, find a mentor who knows the lay of the land and can walk with you to the place you desire to be. If you dream of greater faith or more intimacy in your walk with God, find a spiritual director to help you discern God’s voice, presence, and activity in your life. Finding a conversation partner who is compassionate, skilled at listening, and able to create new awareness in your life is like finding a great treasure.
An important thing to learn as you walk through life is that while you may be tempted to try to do it all alone, you certainly don’t have to – there is plenty of help available. One great joy in the current season of my life is accompanying people who are journeying toward a better life as their coach, mentor, or spiritual director. If I can help you overcome obstacles, stake out a new path, or discern the love and work of God in your life, please reach out and ask for the help you need.
