C-volution was set up to support people in fulfilling their potential as human beings. Whether at work or in your private life, my approach to coaching and personal development is best summed up by the following words:

Challenges Feedback Learning Points Goals Quality Contract Responsibility Results Clarity Communication

Patience Insight Empowerment Intuition Reflection Simplicity Instinct Self-awareness Feelings Calm

Health Commitment Balance Training Self-improvement Development Support Motivation Well-being Discipline

Simplicity

If you are committed to doing something with the person you are, then you are already halfway there. It is that simple. The whole journey is simple. But it is not easy. There is a need for commitment, clarity, discipline and hard work. As the process unfurls you will see, appreciate and enjoy the beauty of it all.

Clarity

Every day is an opportunity to grow as individuals; to become a better version of ourselves. When we are clear about who we are and who we want to be, then our work becomes much easier. In fact, without that clarity we will only achieve a fraction of what is possible. It’s like shopping for presents; if you have no idea what you want to buy (or even for whom you are buying), then the process can be frustrating, counter-productive and unsatisfactory. You end up with some surprises which you are pleased about, but other presents too, which you know are not quite right. So it is with ourselves; if we race off in the direction of personal development with no idea of who we are or who we want to be, then we will have some success but we will be easily frustrated and may end up with things we don’t really want or need.

Journey

It’s a tough journey. I know this from my own journey and from being in the company of others on theirs. But if we are not looking at ourselves and striving to be the best we can possibly be, then what are we actually doing with our lives? Personal development is one of the most rewarding endeavours we can undertake. And it is ongoing; it never ends (this in itself can be a burden during the toughest times) which means there is always something to discover, to learn, to appreciate and to achieve.

Commitment

There will be times when you will feel like giving up. I have felt like that on many occasions, but that is a natural part of the process; and as you see the beauty of that same process open up to you again and again, you will be inspired to continue. You will have successes which spur you on, you will want to share the simplicity of things with others and you will want to make the most of your opportunities to grow. However, you must also understand, that just around the corner are the opposites to those experiences. There is the anguish of knowing you cannot change certain things, the frustration that everything is moving so slowly (or not at all – more of that in a moment) and the perceived ‘failure’ as you falter time and time again. But rest assured, you will grow, you will be empowered and, amid the confusion, you will smile.

Flux

As I mentioned, one common feeling is: ‘things are not moving‘. This is how we feel sometimes, but it is never true. It just seems that way. The nature of our existence is one of flux. Somewhere something is happening. Always. Ultimately, everything is connected to everything else, so although we may not see, feel, perceive or even believe there is a connection, there is one. There are many and they are everywhere, all the time. So, during those barren periods when we think we are making no progress, we must understand there is activity backstage. Things are being prepared and put in place in order for us be able to take the next step when the time is right – when we are ready to do so. Things are happening. Relax and know that you will get there.

 

I draw much of my inspiration from science, nature and sporting endeavour; areas which are reflected in the three lists of words at the top of this page.

Science

Scientific methods lend themselves well to the process of self development. Initial states are documented so we can assess progress at various stages of the process. Results are measurable and the work adheres to specific, agreed, and clear rules. Feedback is a vitally important discipline of the work, as is analysis and the questioning of our assumptions as we strive to understand who we are, how we behave, what we want and what we need to do to get there.

Nature

Nature is wonderful. It is who we are. To understand how nature works is to understand ourselves. In connecting with our own nature, our instincts and evolution we simplify the process of personal development even further. We need only to look around us – in society and the natural world – to see behaviour of all kinds, available for us to observe, understand and from which to learn.

Sport

Sport is of particular interest because at the highest level of sporting endeavour we find people who are committed to their journeys. They are people who have clear goals, a plan of action and the support of excellent coaches. It is also at the highest level – where sporting ability and teamwork are abundant – that we find the difference between success and (relative) failure. In those match-winning moments we see just how much is won or lost by the respective mentalities of the players. Winners have belief and confidence in themselves and the outcome. They are clear about what they need to do to succeed, they are disciplined in their approach and they gain inspiration and empowerment from the support, encouragement and feedback of others.

 

And so it is that we are compelled to look at ourselves again and again, with the goal of being the best possible version of ourselves. In striving for this we must accept who we are and the limitations we have. At the same time we can dream, because dreams do become reality; and with our feet firmly on the floor, we commit ourselves to our journey, step onto our path and move steadily towards our vision of who we want to be. It’s tough, but if you were to ask me, I’d say it’s the best thing we can do with the time we have on this planet.

 

Questions for you to consider:

1. Who are you?
2. Who do you want to be?
3. What is important to you?
4. What do you want to achieve?
5. What makes your heart sing?

 

 

© 2010-2012 Content: Jonathan Lewis Graphics: Thijs van Himbergen
Photographs: Aafke Schaapherder Website powered by Krater Ontwikkeling All rights reserved.