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March 8, 2010

The Power of Strong Goals in Capacitating the Brain

In pacing, the coach offers a statement of the desired state to the coachee. This is a gift to the coachee. The coachee has been moved from a reflective state to a reflexive state by the neurochemical processes operating in the limbic system. She/he is unable to access normal cognitive functions in the neocortex where higher-level thinking occurs. In offering a vision of a desired state, there is often a calming resulting from a more positive vision of the future, releasing a flood of neurotransmitters, recreating a more resourceful state. Some researchers suggest this is approximately a 90 second window when the brain is so reflexive the coachee has difficulty accessing normal brain states.

A strong goal is not a journey. It does not offer suggestions as to how to get to a place, e.g.: "What you want is to create a different relationship. What you want is to try to change your approach." Instead, it is a strong statement of a better future. It describes what the coachee will be, have, or feel. Examples might be:

• "What you want is to have resolution of this conflict."
• "What you want is to be a catalyst for improved practices."
• "What you want is to feel certain about your decision."

As you pace this week, pay conscious attention to offering goals which are destination goals, not journey goals. Use the verbs "be," "have," or "feel." Notice the effect on the resourcefulness of the problem-resolver as he/she envisions a better place.
 

Bolte, Taylor. J. (2009). My Stroke of Insight.. New York: Plume Publishers.

Sylwester, R. (1998, October). "The Downshifting Dilemma: A Commentary and Proposal." Retrieved from New Horizons for Learning Web site: http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/sylwester2.htm.