One of our favorite questions in my coaching school, especially when a client digs their heels in defending old habits that feel like part of their identity.
“I’m just an all-or-nothing person.”
“I’m not a good sleeper. I’d rather do something than waste time in bed.”
“I’m not into exercise. I have more important things to do.”
How is it working for you?
Because if you’re genuinely happy with the results, there’s no need to change.
But if there’s even a whisper of doubt, if you sense that your “way” might be holding you back, that’s the door cracking open to the possibility of better and growth.
This question isn’t just for coaching.
It’s a good way to help people consider change of thinking, of habits, even of who we think we are.
It also is a really good way to help people adopt new technology, change their default ways of working, or consider a different world view.
I had a chat with my sister recently.
She didn’t want to switch to Max, the new messaging app replacing WhatsApp in Russia.
“I don’t like being forced,” she said. “They’re probably spying on people."
But the government isn’t changing their course any time soon, and she might end up cut off from better communication with her friends, colleagues, and family (most of us have already switched).
So, at the end of the day, who's winning?
Or: is it working for you?
That question, quietly and persistently, invites us to examine where our “old tricks” stop serving us, and where they start blocking our better selves and our better future.
So, over to you, dear reader,
Look at who you’re used to being - what you’re used to thinking, feeling, and doing.
Is it working for what you truly want in life, or are you fighting an unnecessary battle?