Coaching Corner: I DON’T KNOW!
By Master Coach Marilou Butcher Roth
Many years ago, during a coaching training, I found myself in this rather uncomfortable place of “I don’t know.” My lack of knowing was not attached to any particular topic, but rather a broader perspective. I felt as if nothing was spelled out and clarity was alluding me in every direction. Because it occurred during a training where we were learning coaching skills, along with learning about ourselves, I was able to shift into a much different space:from a place of discomfort and unknowing to a specious experience of possibility. Hopefully this makes sense. I realized not only that I didn’t need to have answers, but I actually could relax into the feeling of letting things happen. Ah, much nicer!
This experience and awareness has remained with me since that time, allowing my “I don’t knows” to unfold, rather than freaking out (aka control). The key to this shift seemed to be curiosity. By asking myself clear and authentic questions, I was positioned to find an easier place to co-exist with the blaring “I don’t know.”
I am wondering how this new edition of unknowingness can feel more open. How can I relax into these words and feelings without worrying? Now, I will tell you as of yet, I haven’t arrived at any particular answer. What I have discovered is that as I acknowledge the places of unknowingness, they do not seem to be having the same impact as before, which I certainly consider progress!
Have you been experiencing your own version of “I don’t know”? If so, how can you bring curiosity into that space? What questions might you ask yourself, bringing that curiosity into the equation? If nothing else, realizing for yourself that it is truly okay to not know. You do not have to have all of the answers immediately.
Did you find this helpful? I don’t know!!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
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.