It's an ancient wisdom, the African proverb that states, "Two waterfalls do not hear each other." For us as coaches, this profound statement offers a powerful metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and growth. Imagine two magnificent waterfalls, each roaring with its own unique power and purpose, cascading down its distinct path. Their own flow, their own descent, their own impact entirely consumed them. They are not listening for the sound of the other, nor are they comparing its volume or trajectory. This proverb beautifully encapsulates the essence of unwavering focus: when you are truly immersed and concentrated on your own path, your own unique journey, you become wonderfully unaffected by the clamor, the perceived successes, or the divergent directions of others.
In the coaching dynamic, this principle is invaluable for both the coach and the client. For clients, the modern world is a constant barrage of external noise; social media highlights, societal expectations, the perceived "perfect lives" of others. Constantly comparing ourselves to others can stop us from making progress, make us doubt ourselves, and distract us from what we truly want. Our role, then, is to help them become their own waterfall: to tune out the distracting sounds of external validation or competition, and instead, to listen deeply to their inner current, their unique strengths, and their personal vision. When a client learns to focus solely on their own flow, they conserve their energy, clarify their purpose, and make their actions more aligned and powerful.
As coaches, we must also embody this wisdom. Our effectiveness hinges on our ability to remain centered on our clients' unique path, free from the influence of other coaches' methods, marketing strategies, or perceived achievements. Just as two waterfalls flow independently, we must trust our own intuition, hone our unique coaching style, and remain dedicated to the individual needs of the person in front of us. By modeling this unwavering focus on our own craft and our client's journey, we not only create a powerful container for their transformation but also reinforce the profound truth that true progress comes from an internal commitment to one's own distinct and magnificent flow, unburdened by external comparisons.
Have a wonderful week.
Luc Dermul
CEO & Founder of The Coach Valley & Life Coach