#CoachingConversation(s) - #Lifestages #Tasks #Milestones #Responsibilities #Growth
Poh-Sun Goh
6 November 2021, 0622am, Singapore Time
In broad terms, we can observe three life stages, from birth, to death. This starting (birth) and end point (death) are immutable.
In the first life stage, after birth, as human beings, we are dependent, progressively grow and develop physically, mentally, and emotionally; within a family/community setting. [We will leave aside for future exploration scenarios where this ideal state is disrupted, in settings of war, conflict, being orphaned, etc]. We transition from family, through formal education, being progressively socialised. At some point, after exploring and discovering one's strengths and interests, preparing to live independently, make a living (including developing and training to perform socially and economically valuable and value-add roles), and progressively finding purpose and meaning, to build a personal and professional identity - this task taking center stage (i.e. who are you/am I? Being able to honestly answer this question, informed by experience, guided training, personal reflection and insight, and coaching).
In the second life stage, we take on individual and additional social responsibilities - at 'work', with our social networks, and for many of us, our own family; including its attendant financial, physical, mental, emotional, social and existential/spiritual challenges (to continue to grow and develop), and opportunities (to continue to grow and develop). A learning and growth mindset, informal and formal learning and training, personal reflection with openness, and honesty, informed personal awareness and observation [of results and outcomes], feedback (which is unbiased, honest and for us/given with our interest in mind) and coaching are all enablers.
In the third and final life stage, as we progressively relinquish our financial, 'work' and 'family' responsibilities, there will be an increasing challenge to re-examine ideas of personal identity, life meaning and purpose, and exploration of roles in life, and living, beyond traditional ideas of 'work' and 'family'. Ideally, this individual, and internal 'work' and exploration is guided and driven by deep personal insight, on a foundation of honesty, openness, will to grow and learn, flexibility, adaptability and anchored by stability (physical, mental and emotional; not to mention spiritual and existential 'wisdom') and resoluteness.
Coaching conversations can help.
