Are you able to realise your potential? We all have potential, latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. Of course, there is always the possibility to achieve more in our lives or to live a life in which we feel content. Potential is a future-focused word and, yet, we take all sorts of self-limiting beliefs about ourselves into that future space. So much so, that we can, at times, self-sabotage ourselves or go through life ‘as if the brakes were on’ to the achievement of our hopes and dreams for the future. One of the keys to realising your potential is to understand your past, and the ways that you might limit yourself either consciously or unconsciously. As a coach, we work with individuals in ways which allows them to mentally ‘travel through time’. Clients come to us with issues they face right now, in the present, perhaps facing issues or upsets which are a problem to them. Through listening carefully, asking questions, and making observations from within a strong working alliance, we work on growing a client’s self-awareness. Through skilful facilitation, the client gains insight into how they are shaped and influenced by the past. At times, this may mean working through outdated beliefs or rules that are self-limiting. We work together to understand the past to create the best environment for working with potential and the hope for the future. As part of this process, we can explore with our clients their ‘true self’, the part of them that feels unique and full of possibilities. Using reflection space to examine your life to maximise your potential as a coach In these times of enforced isolation, for some individuals, with the health risks of Covid 19, there may be more space for self-reflection. At these times, there is great value in considering your own potential as a coach and how you might hold yourself back. One of my favourite quotes, is the one by Socrates, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’. Set out below are some simple questions that are designed to help you examine your life and gain insight into yourself, by understanding your future aspirations, and what might hinder you in achieving your potential. • What is the essence of you? • What is it, that you dream of becoming? • What additional skills and knowledge do you need to achieve your aspirations? How will you acquire them? • How do you try to escape from your thoughts? Why? • What are the patterns of behaviour in your life that either serve you well or cause you problems? • Does the current way in which you live your life reflect your essence and/or aspirations? What needs to change? These questions are ideas to stimulate your thinking about what lies beneath the surface of your conscious awareness, so that you develop a deeper level of insight into yourself and your potential as a coach. This reflection can also form part of your CPD.