At my Karate Dojo, we have a monthly word of inspiration. Some words from the past were confidence, self-respect, honesty, and goals. Our teacher provides students with positive guidance around these words, using quotes and stories to instill values in us, and asks the junior students questions related to the theme of the month. The word for this month is “nutrition”. Although my blog is about conscious career choices, this word gave me some food for thought. Allow me to connect the dots.

When it comes to fueling my body with nourishment, I would rate myself a strong seven out of 10 with 10 being the highest score. I go through phases. Sometimes I allow myself to slip for periods of time. For example, during vacations and travel or during the Holiday season I might fall to a five on the scale. Sometimes I get super focused and can maintain a nine or ten during committed periods of time. 

Our habits say so much about our values. Frequently we follow the principle of “monkey see, monkey do”, imitating the behavior of our surroundings, especially when we were younger.  But we can also do this as adults. At work, we emulate the behaviors of the leadership team, both good and bad, because it seems appropriate.  And in our private lives, we act similarly to the family and friends we surround ourselves with.  The problem with following others blindly is that we stop questioning the “why” behind the action. 

This is where the connection to coaching comes in. Coaching puts the “why” at the beginning of everything and reconnects you to your core values. Do you want to change the way you eat? Why? What do you value? Esthetics, health, performance, mobility, etc.? Whatever your reason for desiring change I am predicting that unless you connect to your why on a deep level, your odds of making changes that last are slim (no pun intended). 

This principle applies to everything not just nutrition; the way you think, the way you behave, the way you live, your relationships, your spirituality, your finances, you name it. As a coach, I created my signature program called SOAR (the acronym stands for the four phases Seek, Outline, Awake, and Relearn) for professionals to transform mindfully and with ease so that you can SOAR in all areas of your life. When working with new clients, my first step is to reconnect you to your why and explore your values, so that any changes you desire last.

If I have given you food for thought about making changes in your life, reach out to me at angela@belladonnacareercoach.com for a free discovery call.