{"id":29018,"date":"2023-10-24T12:00:31","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/blog\/having-a-beginners-mindset-my-journey-to-becoming-a-coach\/"},"modified":"2023-10-24T12:00:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T16:00:31","slug":"having-a-beginners-mindset-my-journey-to-becoming-a-coach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/blog\/having-a-beginners-mindset-my-journey-to-becoming-a-coach\/","title":{"rendered":"Having a Beginner\u2019s Mindset: My Journey to Becoming a Coach"},"content":{"rendered":"

On March 31, 2022, I sit eagerly in front of my laptop, ready to join the new cohort of an online coach training program. The session begins with introductions, where everyone gets a chance to share who they are, where they come from, and what brings them to coaching. I wonder what I will share. I recognize my need to share the experiences that led me here. I am, after all, an expert in my current field!<\/span><\/p>\n

Early on, we are introduced to the concept of having a “beginner\u2019s mindset.” We are encouraged to leave some of our preconceived ideas behind and welcome the discomfort that comes with being a beginner. We talk about the stages of adult learning and how, inevitably, unconscious incompetence will make way for conscious incompetence until we reach a state of conscious competence and, ultimately, unconscious competence<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not long after the start of the program, I am confronted with the painful realization of my limited experience and knowledge. I must unlearn certain habits and behaviors. I soon realize that a very deep transformation needs to take place. I need to have a beginner\u2019s mindset.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being<\/em>, <\/span>Rick Rubin, a world-renowned music producer, discusses the benefits of having a beginner\u2019s mindset. He highlights how this approach aids us in finding innovative solutions to old problems and fostering inventiveness and creativity by facilitating the flow of creative ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is great power in not knowing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rick Rubin<\/span><\/p>\n

When we come from a place of having mastered a certain skill or task, our vision becomes constricted. We assume we know the answers and therefore do not pause to reflect or question. We become blinded to our own shortfalls. Moreover, we become familiar with how things are and refrain from seeking an alternative path. The beginner\u2019s mind can free us from habitual practices and make room for a fresh approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

The beginner\u2019s mindset was particularly challenging for me, as I had become comfortable in my familiar work role. My incompetence in learning this new skill made me feel exposed and vulnerable. Yet, accepting this discomfort gave me permission to ask questions and be curious. It made room for a playful approach. Starting the training program with this mindset allowed me the freedom to explore and even to make errors while learning. When self-criticism resurfaces, I gently remind myself to return to the beginner\u2019s stance.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the training completed, I reflect on how this mindset can form part of my practice. A beginner\u2019s mindset as a coach allows me to really be present with my clients, preventing assumptions that might obscure underlying issues. Nancy Kline\u2019s book, The Promise That Changes Everything: I Won\u2019t Interrupt You<\/em>,<\/span>\u00a0reflects on the power of refraining from interruption and allowing the client to speak. The coach focused on appearing competent might offer a premature question, which could lead to a missed opportunity, not allowing the client to continue with their train of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

To maintain the beginner\u2019s mindset, I ask myself:<\/span><\/p>\n