Do you know what I believe about you? Yes, you – each and every person who is reading this (and even those who are not). You are “naturally creative, resourceful, and whole” just as you are. I believe this about all of us. This is how I approach each client I have and every person I deal with from day to day (or at least as best as I can!). It is also a major component for the International Coach Federation, where this is listed in the first sentence in their Code of Ethics.
I’ve taken the first class on coaching, where we had a group to practice with each week. We spent time talking about NCRW (naturally creative, resourceful, and whole) and how sometimes we’re tempted to jump in and “help” people. We inadvertently rescue the client instead of helping them find their own way. I’ve struggled with this sometimes, not from believing that they’re not capable, but from wanting to help them.
Early in my organizing career, I had a client who kept asking me what she needed to do. I kept responding that I wasn’t here to tell her what to do; I was here to help her figure out what she needed for herself. I did not have THE answers for her. I’ve always said that we’re all different and what works for one of us will not necessarily work for another one of us. I can bring up possibilities, ideas to explore whether they fit you, and even share some observations from my experience and knowledge.
I’m good at what I do, maybe more so because I’m not going to step in and start telling you what you need to do and how to do it. You are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. I want to help you discover how true this is and provide support (and accountability as needed) as you navigate your struggles. As simplistic as these terms are, let’s look at their definitions:
- Creative: 1) having the quality or power of creating 2) resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.; imaginative
- Resourceful: ingenious, capable, and full of initiative, esp in dealing with difficult situations
- Whole: 1) comprising the full quantity, amount, extent, number, etc., without diminution or exception; entire, full, or total 2) containing all the elements properly belonging; complete 3) undivided; in one piece 4) not broken, damaged, or impaired; intact — All from dictionary.com
Believing these things about yourself might be challenging, especially as you face the struggles you’re having. Yet, having struggles and places where you are challenged, you are still creative, resourceful, and whole. When you work or just interact with me – that is where I come from and regardless of what you are dealing with. You can be NCRW and still need help. Sometimes this can be the hardest step – acknowledging and asking for help.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it seems easier to believe that about other people more than you can believe it about yourself. At least that’s often how I’ve felt. Yet, what would the people who love you say to you about this? What would you say to a friend struggling like you are? We’re surprisingly more kind to others than we are to ourselves.
There’s always room to learn and grow – learn more about yourself, how you work/function, what causes you to struggle with this piece or that piece. As we learn and grow, we recognize more and more how true NCRW is and can let go of some (maybe even all) of the negativity we pile on ourselves. So remember, I believe that you, yes you, are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. 🙂
