Trust the Process

One of my mantras is “Don’t panic.  Trust the process.  All will be well.”

I say it to myself, and others, regularly.  So often, in fact, that I have often thought that I should print a bunch of bumper stickers that say “Trust the Process.”

I know it.  I believe it.  I try to live it.

But every now and then I forget it.

Last time was just last month when I found myself questioning the apparent lack of interest in the coaching groups I had on offer.

I love working with groups.  (You know this because I have mentioned it many times.)  While my one-on-one work is deeply fulfilling and rewarding in its own way, there is something about working with groups that takes me to a whole new level of connection and contentedness.  It has something to do with the synergy that develops in a room full of people when they all realize that they are struggling with similar doubts and concerns, and something to do with the profound sense of community that arises from people undergoing a process together.

Earlier this year I set an intention to work with more groups.  Because I had set such a clear intention I was somewhat surprised by the lack of a stampede to join my groups.  I spent a few days feeling rejected and under-appreciated.  Even a little confused.

But then I remembered that there is generally a reason for everything, and I recommitted myself to trust the process to unfold in a way that supported me.

I got on with my other work.  I went about my business.  I carried on with my life.

And then, in the space of a couple of weeks, I was presented with the opportunity to do group coaching in three different ways: 1) a consulting project that allows me to combine my crime and violence prevention expertise with my coaching skills, 2) the opportunity to coach students attending a post-graduate university course, and 3) being asked to develop and run a professional development coaching programme for the staff of a local business.

I am going to be so busy with all these projects over the next couple of months that there is no way I could have fitted in the two or three additional coaching groups I had envisaged.  Well, not without wearing myself out completely.

And someone, somewhere, somehow, knew that.

When the time is right, those groups will happen.  But until then, I am just going to carry on trusting the process and responding to what I am sent.

 

Tags: burnout | coaching | coaching groups | group coaching | intentions | set a clear intention | trust the process

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