Bob Logan / Sherilyn Carlton

Celebrating Progress

After God created the world, he surveyed his work and saw that it was good. He took the time to sit back, observe, and consider -- he wasn't immediately off to the next project. As people created in his image, we are designed to be the same way. Learn more on how your coaching can reflect God's design.

Our tasks may not be as big as his, but it's good and natural for us to evaluate our accomplishments and celebrate the work we've done before moving on to what's ahead.

The final stage of the coaching process is reviewing stage. At this point, we look back over our progress and ask, "What has been accomplished?" and "How far have we come?" Although we're often tempted to skip over this phase and move on to the next project, the growth potential of the review stage is considerable. It provides the accountability and encouragement to stay on track. It's about celebrating the past and looking toward the future. Reviewing successes builds the strength and courage to take another step of faith. Never underestimate the power of taking the time to look back over past accomplishments and celebrate them. That process brings about the maturity that comes with honest self-evaluation, gives us much-needed encouragement for the road ahead, and provides a sense of satisfaction over a job well done.

After leading his people through the wilderness for 40 years, Moses climbed Mount Nebo to look out over the Promised Land. God showed him the whole land as far as the western sea. That was his gift to Moses -- he allowed Moses to see the end product of all his labors, and to know that the Lord's promises were not in vain.

Reviewing can often change our perspective entirely. Jeff was working with Sherilyn to create balance between his spiritual life, family, and ministry. As a pastor, he felt burdened by constant demands on his time and his spiritual and family life were suffering. The question he was asking himself was, "What takes priority and how do I live accordingly?" He created separate goals for each of these three areas of his life and was trying to keep them in balance.
When he and Sherilyn got together for their monthly meeting, she asked, "What successes have you had?" Jeff shook his head, "This past month hasn't been good at all. I'm really falling behind on my ministry goals and action steps." He went on to describe sick kids, missed meetings, and family issues that were taking up his time. As he finished recounting the events of his month, he suddenly stopped. "Actually... I just realized this was a great month. This month I lived according to my values and priorities. I made choices that put my family ahead of my work, which is what I've been trying to do all along. When I look at the big picture, this was a really successful month."

Although Jeff started his coaching meeting feeling discouraged, he ended it with confidence and enthusiasm. Realizing that he was getting closer to living according to his values renewed his commitment to move ahead. He and his coach recognized that as a big victory to celebrate.

So what does celebration look like? There are as many ways as there are people. Usually verbal affirmation or acknowledgement from a coach goes a long way. Sometimes more tangible rewards are in order.

Sherilyn describes her experience with celebration: "At times I've sent an e-card or a note in mail saying, 'I know this has been hard for you -- way to go! You've been wanting to do this for a long time.' I've also encouraged some people to give themselves a reward. They decide ahead of time what their reward will be. Some people have chosen a day at an amusement park; some have chosen to take time off to sit and read a book; others have gone to get a facial or manicure. Most of the time after a big milestone has been reached, I suggest postponing our next appointment. I tell people, 'You've worked hard. It's time for a break. Take the time you would have spent meeting with me and go do something fun -- take a bubble bath, go on a hike, go to a bookstore." The key is to actively look for what's working and find ways to celebrate it.

Robert E. Logan is the executive director of CoachNet International Ministries and provides training, consulting, coaching and resources to over 40 denominations. Sherilyn Carlton is an experienced life and leadership coach ("Destination Coaching"). Both authors are based in the USA.