The third question that could change your life is actually two questions in one: what do you need to do, and who can help you achieve it?

Once you have interrogated the first two questions about what your ideal life looks like, and what you need to believe in order to make it happen, you will find that you could do with some help. This is partly because human beings are social creatures by nature, and also because 'standing on the shoulders of great men and women' is a perfectly acceptable strategy to help you get to where you want to.

At work, it could be a senior colleague who can propose you for projects that improve your skills and hone your experiences. This person puts you in the line of visibility when promotions are being discussed.  Some organisations actively promote such relationships, while in others you will need to develop and support your own.

You may also opt to work with  a wellness, leadership or financial coach, for example. Coaching is a dynamic relationship that acknowledges you as being naturally creative, resourceful and whole. It supports you to access your own insights and answers, and then guides you to make intentional and empowering choices. You let go of what no longer works for you in your life, and grow into the person and life you wish to experience. Once you discover your own answers, you are guided towards clear action plans. Such relationships usually call for some financial investment.

When you know you are committed to a certain path, you could work with an accountability partner, who may or may not be the same person described above,  to help you stay on your chosen course.

How do you know you have the right partner? Here are three things to look out for:

1.Does your chosen partner challenge your perspectives, without putting you down? If not, they may keep you in your comfort zone, and eventually that stops you growing.

2.Does your chosen partner share experiences and offer suggestions for further exploration, but leave you to make your choices? If not, you may find yourself living their dream, not yours.

3. Does your partner 'give you fish' or 'teach you how to fish?'. The latter approach empowers you to stand on your own two feet, while the former creates dependencies, meaning you will not be able to do without the other person. Is that what you are looking for?

Read our reflections on the first question and the second question.

To know more about how coaching contact me here.