Navigating Change in Midlife; Autumn Coaching Questions 🍂

A subtle shift is happening in our weather. The air in the morning and evening is cooler, leaves are turning; Autumn is here and change is palpable. 🍂

Change is also inevitable, so how do we navigate change in our midlife successfully and meaningfully?

For many of us, Autumn resonates deeply, mirroring the transitions we experience in our own lives. Just as leaves fall gracefully from their branches, we too can choose to release what no longer serves us. We might need help navigating change, especially as we re-evaluate our circumstances in midlife.

Career change, moving house, caring for ageing parents, finding direction and purpose in life and career – these are all kinds of personal and professional change I see with the people I work with.

I believe nature and being outdoors can facilitate changes we want to make, by clarifying our thoughts and forming necessary actions.

So how? Here are 5 Autumnal Coaching Questions to help you navigate change this season.

Plus, an invitation to take this work outdoors in nature, on a walk, as if you were harvesting your own reflections for the times ahead.

Coaching Questions to help you Navigate Change this Autumn

1.   What’s gone well for me so far this year that I can harvest and celebrate?

Autumn is when we traditionally harvest and take stock. So take the time to appreciate and review the fruits of your hard work – your achievements and successes, even if it might seem challenging. Make a list and keep adding to it.
Assessing where you are right now provides key information for the changes you can make.

2.   What didn’t take root, or perished?

This might be easier to answer – our human minds are great at reminding us of the negative and critical. But don’t be hard on yourself; think objectively, as if you’re a mature, wise Oak tree, rather than an emotionally immature sapling.

3.   What do I need to let go of this Autumn?

You may be considering dropping something that has run its course, that no longer serves you. Or perhaps there’s an acceptance of letting things ‘be’. In nature’s cycle of seasons, we know things die off only for growth to appear in a similar space. Create your space for growth; clear out what you no longer need. (hard decision blog)

4. What do I need to hold on to, to transition into the next season?

This might seem like a paradox in contrast to the previous question, but really recognising and appreciating the good in you and harnessing it for the wider good, is a strengths and skills-based approach that works well for wellbeing and performance. It’s a foundation for thriving and is part of my work as a Life Coach.

Read more information and some free exercises, take a look at this Positive Psychology website, HERE

5. How and where would I like to be 12 months from now?

Let your mind wander and play with this visualisation exercise;

• Close your eyes, settle yourself
• Visualise yourself 12 months from now – what you’re doing, where you are, how you’re feeling, who you’re with…; what’s changed?

If this image is not positive;

• What needs to change?
• What do you need to start doing?
• And crucially, what do you need to stop doing?

If this image is positive;

• What’s got you there?

TIP

If you feel stuck or it feels challenging or frustrating – and this is OK – move your body and shake it off, as movement physically might help you internally. Breathe and try again.
Creating a positive vision for what we want in the future, helps our brains invest in the possibility and believe it.

Read more about Visualisation and overcoming doubt in Tara Mohr’s book, Playing Big

Or try it as part of my Life Coaching depth and breadth programme.

Remember – All Life and Midlife Experience counts

Autumn carries a unique significance for many of us. We midlife women and men have a lot going for us and the mental load can weigh heavy. But sometimes we forget that these life experiences, good and bad ALL count and make us uniquely imperfect and special.

We are more mature Oak than immature saplings – let’s own it. If we can navigate change this autumn to reflect on what’s good and positive, we can find a deeper sense of meaning and joy in our lives.

Oh – and one more thing; Oaks (and actually – trees), send out signals and communicate when they need help. That’s my job too. Book a free call below if you’d like to find out more.

Join me for my Pause Outdoors Walk and Talk for Midlife Women. In Beckenham Place Park, monthly peer coaching and conversation with optional coffee or lake swim after. Book on the button below.