“Should I make this less specific?”

I’ve had a few people ask me this question in coaching sessions recently.

They feel they ‘should’ be bringing bigger ‘meta’ issues.

They worry that by being specific they are focusing in on too small a thing - or narrowing their options too much.

They think they should focus on the bigger picture rather than one piece of the puzzle.

When this happens I tell them that it’s generally really useful to be specific.

It helps us right size, from a huge ‘meta’ problem to a manageable chunk.

It helps us really connect with where we are - what the situation is and how we are thinking and feeling about it.

It makes finding a way forward real and applicable.

This last point is key. It’s easier to take action when we are clear on what that looks like.

When it feels less like a mountain to climb and more like a first step.

When we are not trying to solve all of our problems at once, and know what we’re looking for :-)

The bonus? Generally if something is happening in one area of our lives, it shows up in others too. So by solving a specific situation, we can apply it to others too.

By finding a home for one piece of the puzzle, we can move forward to the next.

Win win.

What’s a specific situation that’s challenging you at the moment?

And how could finding a way forward help you in other areas too?

Wishing you all a wonderful week,