Coaching Corner: Change It Up!
By Master Coach Marilou Butcher Roth
One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein, in which he says, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Think about his words and what they mean to you. When I read these words, I am reminded of how our thinking can easily get us stuck.
At various points in our lives, problems will surface for each and every one of us. When these ever-so-not-fun problems do occur, we may find that we go to a familiar way of thinking, connecting with similar problems from the past. From this place, it may be challenging to generate a solution.
Give yourself an example that continues to present itself. Perhaps you find yourself in situations where you do not feel heard or understood. Using this example, you may hear yourself internally saying, “No one ever listens to me,” or something to that effect. We all have situations that seem to show up consistently in our lives, bringing with them a myriad of thoughts that you hold true for you. My invitation is to challenge those thoughts with one or more of these questions:
- Is this thought absolutely true?
- How would things be different if I didn’t hold this thought?
- I wonder why this pattern (if it truly is a pattern) is showing up?
- What can I learn from this experience?
Another way to disrupt your thoughts is through distraction. Yes, I know that may sound silly, however, if you are finding yourself in a low state, it will be far more productive to place your attention elsewhere for a bit. Some people like to distract themselves with a funny movie, others like to clean. There are many options.
I think we can all agree that Albert Einstein was indeed a very smart man, so let’s see what we can learn from his very wise words.
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.
