The 3-Steps of Self Coaching
Mindful Self Coaching
- Study
- Practice
- Apply
Study – The “Thinking” Stage
As we learn a new skill, the focus is on gaining an understanding of how that skill is to be performed. Our coach will explain, and/or demonstrate, how to perform the new skill. The mindfulness coach instructs on how to “self-talk” our way through the 3-part skill sequence.
This way, we are left with a series of step by step instructions, that we can use to “safely-talk” our way through unpleasant life experiences. In the initial stages of learning we remember to keep things simple as we slowly take in the new information.
‘There is another way’
Practice – The “Connection” Stage
This stage is largely about practicing the new understandings and noticing our anxious thoughts. As we practice, we find ourselves less conscious of the new skill. That is to say that we will be “thinking” less and operating more on the “feeling” level.
Near the end of the practice stage, we begin to master more mindfulness skills and attitudes. In the second practice stage, we concentrate applying our new skill to all of our unpleasant feelings.
‘Think less and feel more’
3. Apply -The “Flow” Stage
Through self-coaching we automatically apply our mindfulness practice of Anxiety Reduction, without over-thinking. Responding rather than reacting to unpleasant life experiences. These new mindfulness skills become “programmed” as our automatic response in difficult times. In the automatic flow stage. we learn to just ‘rest and reflect’ more often. This promotes more happiness in our daily life.
‘Just do the practice, and let the practice do the work’
Note – The Rule of 3’s – Brain research shows that new skills are best learned in three steps.
G Ross Clark