Tired of Knowing Without Doing? Coaching Bridges the Gap.

Coaching is a journey of transitions (from current reality to a desired state) that often culminates in a fantastic breakthrough. There are different roles that a teacher, a trainer or even sometimes a mentor play, all of which are important and helpful. The significant difference between this set of helping professions and coaching is that these shine a light on what needs to be known. They build knowledge.

So where does coaching come into the equation? There is often a slip between cup and lip. Knowing something and using that knowledge consistently are two different things.

Not Just Knowledge, But Knowledge in Action 

The Knowing-Doing (K-D) gap. Translating knowledge into sustained action is the place where many slip. This is called the ‘KD Gap’. Coaching promotes self-awareness and clarity of focus, encouraging micro-actions that over time get ingrained into behaviour. This journey one goes on with a coach, becomes the bridge to applied knowledge.

From “I know smoking is bad for me” to “I finally found a way to…”. From “I know I should exercise regularly and cut down on sweets, to actually doing so. Think of learning how to swim or ride a bicycle. No amount of theory is going to make one pool or road ready. Understanding the principles definitely helps, then comes the doing and then comes the part where it becomes a habit. This integration into your lifestyle is driven by alignment with purpose. What role does swimming or cycling play in your life? Is it recreation? Is it a way to meet people? Is it fitness? Having delved deep into oneself to understand the significance of this, often allows one the opportunity to find the reason to apply the knowledge. We are meaning machines, and once we have given a meaning to the action, it is much easier to take the next step and move forward.

A coach creates awareness and accountability. Coaching also enables a client to identify possible roadblocks and helps devise a plan on how to navigate through and past them. This is where the “accountability partner” role of a coach kicks in. Self-limiting beliefs get broken. Support systems get created.

All through answering some simple questions. “What did you learn about yourself today?”; “What did you learn about your situation?”; “What actions are you willing to commit to?”; “Is there anything that can come in the way of moving forward on your plan?”; “What support systems can you put in place to help you stay on track” and just like that, one question at a time the knowing-doing gap gets bridged. What do you know about yourself or your circumstance that you want to change? Find a coach and build the bridge that translates knowledge into action that can change your life.

Nikhil Dey is a certified ICF coach and founder of soul2solecoaching. He is the first recipient of the ICF India coaching excellence rising star award.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash