What is next? What now?
“What if choice is one of the primary avenues of our spiritual formation?” Emily P. Freeman, The Next Right Thing
At the close of a coaching call, your coach might ask something like this: Based on what you’ve learned today, what is one next step you’d like to commit to? The coach should NOT ask: Based on our call today, what is your plan for the next five years?
I am naturally future-focused and there was a time when I loved setting large long-range goals. Now, not so much. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Or maybe it’s something about the speed and complexity of the world today. Maybe it’s because my desire (for some time) has been to practice being more fully present here. Whatever the reasons I’ve been noticing how easy it is to get overwhelmed or even paralyzed when we focus too much on the big picture or too far into the future
This is when a thinking partner who comes alongside us can make all the difference. This is when it may be time to reach out to a coach.
Coaching is a journey of self-discovery, driven by awareness and the power of choice. It’s about empowering individuals to find their own answers, supporting them as they navigate life's complexities.
Every choice reflects who we are, our values, and our vision for the future. The process of making decisions—how we consider our desires, fears, and intentions—shapes our character and contributes to our personal and spiritual growth. It’s not just about choosing the right path or finding a good solution but about becoming aware of the person and leader we want to become. This awareness transforms each decision into an opportunity for growth, fostering resilience and authenticity.
When we approach decision-making as an integral part of our spiritual formation, we see it as a sacred act. The choices we make, big or small, become expressions of our deeper selves, both who we are, and just as importantly, who we long to become. Coaching helps illuminate these moments, making us aware of our options and empowering us to choose consciously.
In her book "The Next Right Thing", Emily P. Freeman encourages us to embrace small, intentional choices rather than becoming overwhelmed by the pressure of making perfect or massive decisions. She suggests that focusing on "the next right thing" helps reduce anxiety and brings clarity, as each small choice contributes to creating a life that aligns with one's values and desires. The act of making choices, especially when facing the unknown, becomes a form of spiritual formation—an ongoing process that helps define who we are and who we are becoming.
Today I am re-reading Freeman’s delightful book thanks to a Facebook post by a friend. If you are navigating an uncertain time, trying to make a challenging decision, or just feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start…I invite you to check out this book. (The author narrates on Audible, and I love her voice.)
And consider seeking out a coach to come alongside as a thinking partner. You may even remember a friend or colleague who is a trained coach and would be glad to listen to you, notice, and ask questions. What a gift when we can do this for one another!
We choose the person we want to become, and we are formed by those choices—one step at a time.
Walking with you,
Vicki