As a coach, it’s important that we both keep growing our coaching skills and that we also keep learning and growing ourselves. What better role models for our clients?
So, I’m going to talk you through one of my favourite exercises – “Troll Travels“. It gives you a list of the qualities you value most about yourself, qualities that you believe make up the core of you!
And OK, I’ll share. These qualities were not what I expected – but after doing “Troll Travels”, here are my most valued qualities:
1) Curiosity and Openness
2) Passion and Enthusiasm
3) Courage and Inner Strength
4) Creativity
5) Cheekiness (challenging the way things are)
Curious? You don’t need a fancy form to do it, just a piece of paper and a pen. (NB. If you’ve signed up for the monthly newsletter – you’ll already have this exercise).
And you’ll need to allow 30-45 minutes to do this exercise – and of course a quiet, reflective space. Ready?
1) First, make a list of ALL the qualities that make you, you. Who are you? Try to get to around 50 qualities!
TIP 1: Include so-called negative qualities. Afraid of heights? Self-judging? Find it difficult to meet new people? Include all of them. Believe me, it makes the next step easier!
TIP 2: Include everything that pops into your head. Have curly hair? Write that down. Love dogs? Write it down. Like organizing events or feeling safe? Write it down.
2) Now, I want you to imagine you’re about to cross a bridge. Just as you step foot on the bridge, Trevor the Troll appears – and DEMANDS that you give him 30% of your qualities. Which qualities about yourself do you value least? Because you’re going to spend the rest of your life without them… So, strike through 30% (not 1/3, but 30%) of your qualities.
TIP: Notice which qualities you give up first…
3) Trevor lets you pass and you keep travelling. You come to a second bridge, but Trevor has been following you. In order to cross – and not get eaten – he demands you give him another 30% of your qualities (again not 1/3, but 30%). So, strike through ANOTHER 30% of your qualities.
4) You keep going. And come to a third and final bridge. You guessed it, there’s Trevor. He wants a final 30% and you’re home free. Think hard because once you’re done, you’ll be left with just 10% of your qualities for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! So, strike through A FINAL 30% of your qualities.
TIP 1: Consider what you value most about yourself: What really makes you unique? What makes you YOU?
TIP 2: Notice which qualities you give up last…
5) So, once you’ve completed this final step, take a look at the qualities you’re left with. This is what YOU value most about yourself. And consider these final questions:
- What do you notice? _________
- Which qualities were hardest to give up? _________
- Are these qualities what you focus on in life? If not, why do you think that is? _________
- What have you learned about yourself during this exercise? _________
We’d love to hear what YOUR favourite qualities are, so please comment below!
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