The impressive results of coaching are partially explainable by a better understanding of how your brain works.   This is a very complex topic – and I am going to concentrate on only one small aspect of the awesome workings of the brain, and impact on the ability to take on new challenges, and potentially behaviors.

Think about something that you have experienced, that caused a negative result.  This might have been a conversation that you had with a co-worker, or a decision that in hindsight sabotaged a desired goal, or even a day that you strayed from your exercise plans.  Now, think about replacing the behavior with something that had a positive impact.  A great conversation with a co-worker; a decision that in hindsight was spot on in furtherance of an important goal; an awesome exercise day that you would like to repeat, and repeat.

Now – make a choice: Which would you rather have replay in your brain each time you think about a specific goal?  Do you think the impact of a learned negative lesson is more impactful, or do you think that replaying something that worked well with the intent to replicate the results will achieve a better result?

I hope you chose to let your brain focus on positive behaviors. If so, good choice, and here’s why.  Your brain is going to automatically go to what you bring attention and intent to.  If you want to change a behavior, you need to “train” your brain to focus on positive behaviors.  Let’s say you are about to have a difficult conversation with a colleague.  You are preparing for that conversation.  Where do you want to focus your attention? Of course – on a previous conversation that was positive and impactful.  You are deepening that positive groove in your brain every time you focus energy on a positive conversation.

Coaching serves you by continually bringing your attention to the positive.  It helps you block out the negative self-talk.  It helps you deepen the groove in your brain that reinforces positive behaviors and interactions.