Having a coach can empower you to achieve major career success. But if a coach isn’t within reach right now, you can be your own! Here’s how.
CREATE framework developed by David Rock, founder of the NeuroLeadership Institute. It’s simple and clear and you can drive it without a license.
The framework is comprised of three parts:
- CR represents your Current Reality.
- EA is about Exploring Alternatives
- TE tells you to Tap your Energy
So now, with clarity around what you’re striving for and why, take yourself on a quick journey through this framework.
Define your current reality. Be factual and objective. This means making observations like “I’ve been in this role for three years and I’m ready to expand my skills.”
It is not stating things like “I’m stuck in this job and no one sees me as ready for growth.”
See the difference? Stay with the facts.
Next, explore your alternatives. What paths could you possibly take? You could
- Apply for a promotion
- Tap your network to see what other opportunities are out there
- Take a course
- Make a lateral move to help expand your breadth of experience
Think broadly; don’t just limit yourself to the most obvious next step.
And finally, tap your energy. Once you’ve identified all of your alternatives, just sit with all of them. Imagine yourself walking toward each, and note which inspires you most.
That becomes your first action.
My energy went into calling 10 friends or colleagues each day, letting them know of my new venture, and asking if I could be of service.
Let your energy determine which path you pursue. Choose one and commit to it.
4. Drive accountability
One of the greatest gifts a coach can offer is accountability. They’ll help you identify your next steps. And they will track you down to make sure you’ve taken them.
So here I urge you to find other means of creating accountability for yourself. How can you make your action plan feel “mandatory?”
Here are some strategies to consider.
Schedule it. For some, once it’s on the calendar, it’s as good as written in stone. Determine what action you need to take, and on what timeline, and book it. Then protect that time like you mean it!
Find an accountability buddy.If you’re looking to make a change, I’m willing to bet you have a friend or colleague who is, too. So do some outreach and find someone looking to create their own accountability. Partner up to keep each other on track. Maybe you check in with each other on a weekly basis. You won’t want to tell your buddy you didn’t make it happen, so you’re more likely to do the thing before each check-in.
Attach a treat. Some people only allow themselves to watch the next episode of their favorite show while they’re on the treadmill. What’s your equivalent of this? In the kindest way, withhold something from yourself (a show, a nap, a chat with a friend) until you’ve taken the action you promised yourself you’d take.
5. Show empathy
A great coach will deliver tough love … but with a heavy dose of empathy. True coaching is delivered with kindness. And you need to show that kindness to yourself.
True coaching is delivered with kindness.
This doesn’t mean letting yourself off the hook when you don’t do the thing. But it does mean recognizing what might be hard for you and why. If you know you need to ask for a reference but you’re feeling intimidated, don’t beat yourself up. You’re not weak or passive; you’re thoughtful and intentional.
If you hear your inner voice start to beat you up, immediately bring your coaching voice to the table to remind that inner beast just how hard you’re working.
Whatever change you’re striving to make, I’m confident you have it within you to coach yourself to that finish line. I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve this year!