Coaching Corner: But I want to control that!
By Marilou Butcher Roth, Master Coach
Oh my! We all so love to think that we have control sometimes, don’t we? Okay, so maybe its just me thinking that way! In the offside chance that any of you have control issues as well, I am going to continue...
In our current environment, there are countless things that are well beyond our control. Let’s bring things in a bit closer to include our family, friends, clients, etc. How frustrating is it when they are just not behaving in a manner that we would like? Come on, don’t even begin to tell me that you have never had this experience.
The problem comes in when we do not allow ourselves to step back from the situation, in full realization of our total inability to control what is happening. When that occurs, you will probably find yourself full on in a place of judgement, criticism and blame. Yuk, this isn’t fun for anyone!
Here is a super fun hands-on activity that was presented to me by one of my mentors, and hopefully it will help you as much as it did me. Grab 2 file folders -- I prefer the colored ones personally. Now, on one folder write in big letters “THINGS I CANNOT CONTROL,” and on the other -- you guessed it “THINGS I CAN CONTROL.”
These physical files can assist you in bringing awareness to those times when circumstances present themselves to you. When you find yourself in one of those sticky situations, you can actually write out the situation and then place that paper into the appropriate file! Remember, your clues might be judgement, criticism or blame for example.
There is great freedom to be found within these magical files, and you will get to the point where you no longer need the paper...or even the files!
Now do it!!! I am in control, right??? :)
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati. Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee. Feel free to contact Marilou to see if coaching is right for you.
