Likely not since it’s one that I just made up 🙂 !!
It’s always easier to remember steps when you narrow them down into one word. So, PAUSE is something you can memorize any time you are feeling the weights of the world, heaviness, triggers, fears, and worries…
As believers, we are SO blessed to get through our hardships knowing that God is our provider, our comforter, and will direct our steps.
When LIFE experiences are weighing on you, I want you to do these 5 Steps:
P PRAY
A AWARENESS
U UNDERSTAND
S SCRIPTURE
E EMPATHY
Okay, so let’s break this down…
In coaching, you first start with a VISION. The problem is that we ALL have an idea of what we want, want we want to change, or what we want to have happen BUT we often don’t know how to GO FROM TODAY to reaching that TOMORROW. Or, we don’t actually get clear on what the vision is simply because it really seems impossible that “it could really be different from the current reality”—because your reality is all you know, right?!
SO, whatever situation you’re finding yourself in at this moment, set a vision (hint: this is usually the opposite of what your current experiences/circumstances are).
THEN, do these steps…
PRAY. This also looks like partnering with GOD in your vision first. Ask Him to give you the vision, direct your steps, and trust Him for the impossible.
AWARENESS. Having awareness of your reality is super important because once you’re aware of limitations, problems, concerns, then from there, you start to move, pray, and see the change happen.
UNDERSTAND. Let’s say your vision is to have a healthier relationship with your loved one. Are you able to step into their world to find empathy FIRST to gain an understanding of the reality. Same is so true for yourself—can you objectively look at your circumstances/situation and see it from this angle? Often because we are IN the THING that we want CHANGED, it often feels immovable because we can’t really understand how, what, or where the change can occur. #butGod!
SCRIPTURE. Having Scripture is your best protection! While you partner with God, through awareness of your reality, ask God for a promise Scripture to hold onto as you step out in faith. Psalm 37:4 & Luke 1:45 (these are my anchor Scriptures!!!—you may borrow :)! )
EMPATHY. Empathy is similar to understanding but with the difference here as being an action step. Can you SERVE the other person (or lead with service to yourself) in really stepping INTO being empathic and being rooted in this place, rather than coming from blame, guilt, shame, and operating in and from the problem. The phrase about being the change you wish to see as well as with the coach training we do at IHF, one of the first questions is ….“Are you really coachable?!”—you LEAD, INSPIRE, & INFLUENCE others when YOU begin to pull from your emotional & relational toolbox first and serving others from that place.
That’s the key difference is where you begin to operate from. Taking your eyes OFF of the problem and looking at your heart (getting into alignment with God’s plan), you show up differently.
By doing each of these steps, you’ll start to see change simply because #1, YOU are letting God lead & design your vision and #2, you are learning to trust in Him with the needed change(s), and #3, you are able to relax in His promises for where He is taking you.
I hope these steps encourage you with anything you may be going through!
NOW—GO PAUSE!!
