It’s that feeling you get
You know what I’m talking about: after a good workout, walk in nature or conversation with a friend.
That is what sets walking coaching apart from regular coaching. Don’t get me wrong. I love traditional coaching - sitting opposite someone, focusing on a problem, talking through the solution - and it remains the majority of coaching that I do. But there is just something special, almost magical, about doing it while walking.
I’ve personally benefited from being coached while walking. The difference it makes for me is the connection with the physical place I was in at the moment I had an ah-ha moment. Then, that commitment I made to change is linked to my memory of the breeze from off the water, the frenetic energy of the crickets morning song, or the feeling of the gravel path beneath my shoes. This is a powerful combination.
All the coaching I offer is based on neuroscience models of change and personal development, grounded in the latest positive psychology research, and decades of best practice in coaching for sustained results. Walking while doing this adds the benefits which come from physical exercise and being outside in nature: improved mood, sharper brainpower, and improved physical health.
Now for the details: I currently only offer fully in person walking coaching for people in Washington DC. For all other clients, no matter where they are, I offer walk and talk: we talk on the phone for our coaching session and each of us is walking in our own respective neighborhoods.
The most frequent question I get right now is, why would I pay for coaching when I can just ask ChatGPT to tell me the solution to my problem?
Well, first, coaching is not me telling you what to do. It is a journey of exploration of the solutions that might work in your unique situation, support through trying out new approaches, and accountability through the change required to move beyond leadered tendencies to get different results.
Second, ChatGPT is not good at pushing your boundaries, reflecting when your actions may need to change, and supporting you through setbacks. That said, if it has worked for you - then you can stop reading here. You don’t need coaching if you can have an AI spit out a plan, you can stick with it and your problem is easily resolved. However, if you are anything like me, this just doesn't work for those big sticky issues where I intellectually know the right answer, but the problem is the need to shift something inside to get there.
Third, it’s just hard to text, read and walk at the same time - I don’t recommend it!
I cannot in good faith guarantee vastly improved health, happiness and work success (and you shouldn’t believe anyone promising you that!) - but I can promise you will get in your steps, I will support you in finding the solutions that will work for you and align with your values, and we will have some fun while doing all of this.