Coaching With the Brain in Mind

the client agreed to journal about the review and her insights from coaching, more circuits would be involved

helping clients find their optimal levels of stress. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1991) refers to this as “flow” and says that this enjoyable state occurs when demands are just beyond what people believe they can attain:

Finding the right mental zone when under pressure requires removing mental distractions. The neuroscience behind this principle is that each neuron has a limited capacity

the coach steadies the spotlight on the intended change, not by issuing orders but by asking questions

the trick is to figure out exactly which small changes will result in those larger changes that are desired.

Achieving the zone—the right state of mind for peak performance

compared to amateurs, professionals use minimal mental resources when performing a complex activity.

They then practiced choosing to do something else, for instance playing the piano

Experience others directly through the senses, in the moment, rather than through narrative circuitry (stories coaches tell themselves about clients). • Develop and engage their own “Impartial Spectator” or self-observer so as to reflect on and come to know themselves better. • Support clients in becoming more self-aware and self-appreciative.