I haven’t always been good at doing the sensible thing. Take, for instance, the time when I left my job and studies in industry after 5 years of hard work, 3 months before my finals. I had recently become a Christian and believed Jesus was leading me into a new volunteer role in community development instead. My family and friends thought I had gone crazy. What on earth was I thinking of? They urged me to do the sensible thing, not to be so reckless with my life. I could understand what they were saying. Nevertheless, I resigned and never looked back. Not even for a moment.
That was one of the best decisions of my life. It changed the course of everything for me. I also wasn’t sensible, apparently, when I decided to give all my possessions away, to live out of a rucksack in an attempt to identify with the world’s poorest people. I wasn’t sensible when I worked in some unstable and dangerous places in the world in my work with charities, human rights and NGOs. I wasn’t sensible when I applied to do a master’s degree when I didn’t have any of the pre-requisite qualifications. I prayed, negotiated, worked hard and completed it with a distinction grade. I wasn’t sensible when, more recently, I crashed my bike on a charity ride and snapped my knee sideways, leaving me seriously debilitated. I was told to be mindful, to accept my new reality and not to fight against it. I refused and I dragged myself forward step by painful step. I can now walk. I have managed to cycle and swim further than I had ever done before. I have learned that ‘sensible’ is a construct, a preference, a cultural outlook, a state of mind, a stance in the world. It appears self-evident, rational, reasonable and safe. Yet how far are we willing to take a risk - a leap of faith?
100 Comments
John Doyle
15/5/2017 06:50:12 am
Good bit of blogging Nick I enjoyed the read.
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Nick Wright
15/5/2017 06:50:34 am
Thanks John!
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Nidhi Aggarwal
15/5/2017 08:03:41 pm
Hey, this is cool. Takes a lot of courage to take the path less traveled. Awesome and kudos to that inner spirit that drove you to it!
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Nick Wright
16/5/2017 07:31:35 am
Thank you, Nidhi. In my experience, we are sometimes motivated towards something (e.g. our dream or our vision for the future) and/or away from something (e.g. how our life will be and how we will feel if we don't pursue it). In my case, God has given me the confidence to step out into things that I would never have done otherwise!
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Sheila Jones
15/5/2017 11:42:20 pm
Hi Nick. I do like this blog piece on being sensible and having faith. Thank you for sharing it.
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Nick Wright
16/5/2017 07:33:42 am
Thank you, Sheila. You are welcome. :)
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Clifford Morgan
16/5/2017 07:22:45 am
Love your story Nick. So often when people tell us to be 'sensible' they are unwittingly placing limitations on us. If we what to live a life of fulfilled potential, we need to strip back the limitations placed on us by both others and ourselves, chase our dreams and pursue Gods purposes for our lives. Thanks for leading the way with an encouraging example.
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Nick Wright
16/5/2017 07:39:43 am
Thanks Clifford. Well said. The question I pose to myself is often along the lines of, 'Imagine if...'. I allow myself to dream and sometimes I need the support and challenge of others to do it. You reminded me of a profound quotation by Richard Bach: 'Argue for your limitations and they are yours.' I'm thankful to Jesus for what he has made possible. I owe my life to him.
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Ian Henderson
16/5/2017 01:22:33 pm
It's a bit like when people tell us to "be realistic" about our dreams. They are usually referring to their version of realism - ditto sensible.
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Nick Wright
16/5/2017 01:26:54 pm
Hi Ian. Yes, it is very easy to superimpose our own beliefs, values, assumptions etc. onto others without realising (a) that's what they are and (b) we are doing it.
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Keith A. Wadley
16/5/2017 03:39:32 pm
Super motivating. Man I would love to sit down in person with you to just hear the details. Thanks for writing this.
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Nick Wright
16/5/2017 03:40:37 pm
Thanks for such encouraging feedback, Keith!
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Lani Refiti
17/5/2017 09:10:41 pm
Thought provoking Nick, thanks for sharing. In the context of leadership in groups where there is an interactive process between you and the other, I would say edginess needs to be tempered or attuned to others ie, how far out of their comfort zone can you influence? There's also the org itself and it's culture. Field/systems theory is a good guide.
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Nick Wright
17/5/2017 09:14:36 pm
Thanks Lani - you're welcome. I agree that co-contracting around edginess is important. I guess a challenge is how to lead at the leading edge so that we and others feel a healthy sense of stimulus, challenge, risk and discovery yet without being overwhelmed by it. Do you have any examples of how field/systems theory could apply?
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Thea Khama
17/5/2017 11:01:38 pm
Inspiring and good end question.
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Nick Wright
17/5/2017 11:02:44 pm
Thanks Thea!
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Susie Flashman Jarvis
18/5/2017 08:19:14 am
Gotta love a bit of edgy. My sort of thing!!
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Nick Wright
18/5/2017 08:19:55 am
Thanks Susie. :) Do you have any stories you could share?
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Lisa Hawkins
18/5/2017 08:21:13 am
I've done many things as well, pushed past many obstacles and overcome illnesses, debilitating circumstances. Sensible, and cautious are really relative to me in the sense of taking risks. Can I take a risk and still be somewhat sensible? Taking a calculated risk, and following my knowing. At times, sensible, I just wasn't, and yet I've overcome every obstacle in my life so far, and hoping to do more in the rest of my life. Great post!
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Nick Wright
18/5/2017 08:25:24 am
Thanks Lisa! I think you raise an interesting point about calculated risk. There is a big difference between taking a step in faith and being deliberately reckless. On living at the edge, you may find this related short piece and the link to Rho Sandberg's blog interesting? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/the-edge-of-experience
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Cath Norris
18/5/2017 08:26:10 am
“There is this huge feeling of taking a risk – like I am risking the ending of the relationship – it feels a breath taking moment when they (clients) are going to connect or say: I am never coming to counselling again”.
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Nick Wright
18/5/2017 08:34:01 am
Thanks Cath. You have such an evocative way of expressing emotional experience. I like the image of 'something beyond the edge' and 'doing the stuff I have to do, no matter how irrational it is'. That certainly resonates with my experience. I'm also aware of a gradual change in my attitude to risk. Here is a short piece I wrote in 2012: http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/a-couragous-spirit I am far from superhero material yet I can feel a change as well as notice a change in risks I am willing to face and steps I am willing to take.
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Cath Norris
18/5/2017 10:15:37 am
Thanks Nick, I really appreciate your feedback :)
Nick Wright
18/5/2017 10:34:59 am
You're welcome, Cath. 'Dare to dive'. I love that. :) I too find that my attitude to risk is contextual. In my own life at the moment, I am facing multiple important life-decisions, each of which have potentially profound implications and consequences for me and for others. I find myself fluctuating from moment to moment between fear and excitement, doubt and faith. In the face of that, I am choosing to make certain decisions that feel - for me - led by Jesus. I am looking to him. I can feel a sense of calling...a very deep feeling...bordering on existential. That inspires me and gives me hope in the face of fear...and enough confidence, I hope, to take the steps I want and need to take. I think that is one of the reasons I wrote this blog: to remind myself of risks I have taken in the past and to galvanise my own spirit for my next leaps of faith.
Nick Wright
18/5/2017 06:01:10 pm
Oh good for you Nick, drawing on your faith at this challenging time sounds so valuable in your process, wishing you well in that dear friend.
Nick Wright
18/5/2017 06:02:06 pm
Thanks Cath. I know it can sound trite in this day and age but Jesus is my hope. I owe my life to him.
Cath Norris
19/5/2017 09:54:27 am
Yes Nick, faith, what ever that means for us, is still marginalised in many ways. I despaired working in the third sector over the ways in which faith and the deeper dimensions of our existence were frowned upon and actively discouraged from being brought into the field for exploration. It's been personally, deeply relieving to move into circles which actively work with a profound appreciation for our sentient needs alongside our emotional, psychological, physical, relational and systemic needs.
Nick Wright
19/5/2017 09:58:42 am
Hi Cath. Now there's a bigger topic! :) I have had similar experiences in the third sector too. I find it paradoxical that we talk about 'development' whilst, at times, ruling out profoundly important dimensions of human hope, aspiration and experience that don't fit within a secular humanistic framework. You may be interested in a coaching article I was invited to write in this area for BACP? http://www.nick-wright.com/spirituality-in-coaching.html
Cath Norris
21/5/2017 12:50:35 pm
Thanks Nick, yes in some ways it's a bigger topic, in other ways, as you referred to in your article, it's about the levels at which we relate and acknowledge what's around for people and influencing them and their perception of how life works. Despite the secular cultural framework it appears that we are still experiencing deepee dimensions to our existence. 80% of people don't access counselling or coaching, in fact take up rates have significantly dropped
Nick Wright
21/5/2017 12:57:05 pm
Thanks Cath. I love that quotation! Thanks for the link too. In recent years, I'm noticing glimpses of renewed interest in spiritual and existential dimensions in some areas of coaching and therapy, possibly in reaction to an over-reductionist emphasis and experience in some secular views and approaches. What is 'really in the field' is an interesting and challenging question because it depends on what we believe, what we value, what we feel and sense, how we co-construct our realities etc.
Cath Norris
21/5/2017 10:53:55 pm
I think that there's a huge surge generally, people tapping into source in a multitude of ways. The field is certainly full of diversity but my sense is that when it comes to faith in something larger than ourselves that there are common experiences which result in head nodding when we begin to describe them.
Nick Wright
21/5/2017 10:54:33 pm
Hi Cath. Very true.
Andrew Campbell
18/5/2017 10:39:08 am
What a great photo. Good OD starts with an understanding of the operating model that the people are working in see www.operatingmodelcanvas.com
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Nick Wright
18/5/2017 10:40:01 am
Thanks Andrew. I think we could add something around psychological, relational and cultural operating models that influence how people construct and experience their worlds and how they are motivated and willing to act within them?
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Hoana Walters
19/5/2017 08:49:09 am
Life is about taking risks when change presents itself. Stepping out into the unknown lends an edge of excitement anticipation and a breath stopping moment...life is moments in time.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 08:51:07 am
Hi Hoana. I guess 'Life is about...' depends on individual and cultural beliefs and values? I like your expression: 'breath stopping moment'. It can certainly feel like that as we take that step into the unknown!
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E.G.Sebastian - CPC, CSL
19/5/2017 08:52:12 am
:) - we seem to be on the same path :) - I just got off my crutches this morning (ankle injury) Had two knee injuries in the past 10 years - both martial arts related. After one of them I was on crutches for about 4 months :(
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 08:53:09 am
Hi E.G. Ouch! You must be a real expert at this rehab stuff by now. ;)
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Imam A Siddique
19/5/2017 12:18:12 pm
My coaching is exactly as I Am. #OutOfTheBoxThinking is passed it's #OutOfThePackaging.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 12:20:38 pm
Hi Imam. I'm curious. How do you know when you are thinking out of the box? How do you know it isn't just another box? You may find this short related piece interesting: http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/deconstructing-the-box :)
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Lisa Bakker
19/5/2017 06:41:17 pm
As per usual ....;-) what a precious piece Nick! There's was a lot of nodding and uhhuh-mumbling when reading, too much to share and equally much for further inspiration..THANKS! and btw your selection of pix is awesome. Enjoy your gifts ...and the weekend ;-)
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 06:43:18 pm
Thanks for your kind feedback, Lisa. You made me smile. :) Have a great weekend too.
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Ndidi O.
19/5/2017 06:45:16 pm
Great article. I'm not the most risk averse person. I have made countless risky decisions with regards my personal and professional life. I have moved abroad twice where I knew no one to work. I have left two engagements months away from the wedding. I have travelled to the most remote countries as a solo female traveller. I have walked out of very well paying jobs because I was unhappy. I have spoken out against injustices when this could have cost me hugely- financially and otherwise. I guess one of the best things about having faith is that I totally believe as long as my intentions are good, noble and ethical and I am acting out of integrity then my boundary lines will fall in pleasant places. And they have.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 06:46:57 pm
Thanks Ndidi. Sounds like your life has been quite an adventure!
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Amy R. Brown
19/5/2017 06:47:47 pm
Awesome, thought provoking, and inspirational.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 06:48:22 pm
Wow - thanks for such encouraging feedback, Amy.
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Doug Reitmeyer
19/5/2017 06:49:34 pm
Appreciate your insights Nick.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 06:54:54 pm
Thanks Doug. That looks...terrifying!! You may enjoy this clip:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qnsCssTU1s&t=7s I watched the full documentary. It's the first time I've ever felt my hands and feet sweating profusely whilst watching TV!
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Ben Alabaster
19/5/2017 06:55:55 pm
Those that spend time convincing you to do "the sensible thing" are frequently those who hold you back because they've always been too scared to chase their dreams. They need security. They need safety. They validate that by keeping those around them making the same choices.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 07:00:34 pm
Hi Ben. It's certainly true in my experience that some people project their own notions of 'sensible' onto me. My sense is that it is sometimes because their idea of sensible seems self-evident to them, sometimes because they feel genuine concern for me and, perhaps, sometimes because they subconsciously want or need to justify their own stance in the world.
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Mary Ramussen
19/5/2017 07:03:12 pm
Love this! Brought this scripture to mind: Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Cor 1:27. Keep doing crazy things!
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 07:08:55 pm
Thanks Mary. :) Yes, people often regard us as crazy for believing in and seeking to follow Jesus. All I can say is that Jesus has transformed my life and given me the confidence to live the life he has called me to. I would love to say that I always 'trust and obey' but that wouldn't be true. Sometimes I shrink back when I should step forward but he is kind and gracious and every day is a new learning adventure and experience.
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Aileen Price
19/5/2017 07:09:41 pm
Nick, that's an amazing post! The sensible things can keep a person from truly living. Awesome!
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 07:13:17 pm
Thanks for such encouraging feedback, Aileen! :) Yes, questions I may ask in coaching include, 'When do you feel most alive?', 'What do you find most life-giving?' or 'If you were truly to live your life to the full, what would you be doing?'
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Vito Abrusci
19/5/2017 07:13:57 pm
Thank you Nick, what a post. The last question, you know, it's a very powerful one!
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 07:15:24 pm
Thank you, Vito. It is a question I ask myself every day...
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Sarah Griffiths
19/5/2017 07:17:29 pm
This is inspiring Nick. Truly listening to what God is telling you as He has always got our backs and will never take us beyond what we are capable of. Too frequently do we listen to others telling us what we can't do rather than listening to God telling us what we can do. Great stuff 😊
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 07:18:40 pm
Thanks Sarah - and well said. :)
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Martin Palmer MCMI
19/5/2017 08:21:43 pm
Interesting post, worth reading.
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Nick Wright
19/5/2017 08:22:09 pm
Thanks Martin.
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Darren Walsh
20/5/2017 12:07:09 am
Good on you. But if my kids do anything like what you have done I will be very unhappy. 😊
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Nick Wright
20/5/2017 12:07:53 am
Hi Darren. Yes - I can relate to that. Same here! :)
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Kristin Swarcheck M.Ed., CPC, ELI-MP
20/5/2017 12:56:06 pm
Yes! Yes! Yes! So important to take the leaps of faith that grab hold of our heart and beg for compliance. We often hear the whispers or roars but give our minds the true authority to decide. I often have my clients look back at the decisions they made from their heart and intuition and reflect on the outcomes. I've never heard any regrets. Trusting the bridge will appear is exhilarating and what often provides our quantum leap!
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Nick Wright
20/5/2017 12:57:19 pm
Hi Kristin. I think you expressed that beautifully! :)
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Ann Sanders
20/5/2017 01:14:09 pm
Follow your heart and head, but have the strength of conviction to go forward. That is your motto. I understand it well. 😄
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Nick Wright
20/5/2017 01:16:08 pm
Thanks Ann. I think my motto would be something like, 'Trust Jesus'. I don't always do it well but it is often the source of my conviction and courage to step forward. Sounds like you have examples from your own life too. Would you be willing to share some? :)
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Bronwen Thomas
20/5/2017 01:16:56 pm
Thank you Nick for sharing.I admire your courage and conviction.
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Nick Wright
20/5/2017 01:17:42 pm
Hi Bronwen. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
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Alison France
21/5/2017 12:22:33 pm
Love this Nick. I've always been very edgy and used personal experiences to inform practice. That's included riding a royal Enfield over the Himalayas (dealing with severe altitude sickness) and other bikes on race tracks as well as snowboarding as a way to overcome a fear of heights!
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Nick Wright
21/5/2017 12:26:46 pm
Hi Alison. Wow - sounds like you have had some fascinating life adventures! Safety and softness in challenge is an interesting idea. It reminds me of Covey who comments that trust is developed when we take a risk and find ourselves supported. As trust grows, so does our willingness to take further risks. I like the idea of edgy and compassionate. :)
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Tom Sledge
21/5/2017 04:16:30 pm
Steps of faith seldom make sense to those around us...sometimes they even look foolish. I'm sure those in the boat thought Peter had lost his mind as he stepped out on the water, but if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat! Thanks for sharing and being transparent with your faith.
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Nick Wright
21/5/2017 04:50:24 pm
Thanks Tom. Yes, that has certainly being true in my life. Some words from the Bible that keep me inspired are: 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' Oftentimes, I can only see the next step forward...nothing beyond that...but God inspires me to take the step forward anyway.
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Calvin R. Lawrence CMP, CPC, PMP, MBA
21/5/2017 04:57:28 pm
Rare words...true words...powerful words!
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Nick Wright
21/5/2017 04:58:12 pm
Hi Calvin - and thank you for such encouraging feedback!
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Kirk McCarley
21/5/2017 10:43:41 pm
Way to go, Nick. I have just recently transitioned into coaching after a very long career in Human Resources, responding to what I believe I've heard from our Lord.
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Nick Wright
21/5/2017 10:51:56 pm
Thanks Kirk. You have certainly been through some very sobering experiences that can put life into a totally different perspective. I can relate to some aspects of what you describe, although not quite as dramatic or serious! You may find these short pieces interesting: http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/panic; http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/deep? Let me know if they resonates too. I hope you enjoy your new coaching career. Stay well - and stay close to Jesus.
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Kirk McCarley
23/5/2017 08:42:08 am
Thanks for sharing your blog on panic and a life lesson. Many blessings to you both professionally and personally.
Nick Wright
23/5/2017 08:42:47 am
Thanks Kirk. And to you too.
Lisa Hawkins
21/5/2017 10:55:17 pm
My coaching is edgy and at times I feel that people aren't ready for my kind of work. I don't waste time, I can cut to the chase and I don't follow any "one" method or principle. That gives me the edge, and actually benefits my clients. I'm not coaching to win clients, therefore I have a authenticity that most do not. I'm struggling though with getting certified as I'll put myself in that position to fit inside a specific method... I know I do not always have to rigidly follow it, but which method that is my biggest issue...
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Nick Wright
21/5/2017 10:59:38 pm
Hi Lisa. Yes, there can be challenges to accreditation if the approach or methods we use are different to those prescribed by professional bodies. You may find this short piece and the conversation below it interesting on that front? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/spotlight
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Janine Pelser
22/5/2017 10:13:53 am
Whoa and awesome Nick! I took the "leap of faith" after being a professional for 26 years in a corporate company, just left (not the sensible thing to do) to try and find myself and my passion. Influencing young adults through life coaching and leadership development, seeing them grow to their full potential, working in and for the community, helping out at church, etc. is so rewarding, I really feel I missed "life" for so many years.
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Nick Wright
22/5/2017 10:15:32 am
Thanks Janine! It certainly sounds like you are living life to the full now. :)
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Lester Hirst
23/5/2017 08:36:35 am
Speaking of job opportunities, a person once asked me, "Is there anything you would not be willing to try?" Risk is the door to growth!
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Nick Wright
23/5/2017 08:37:09 am
Hi Lester. What a great question! How did you reply..?
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Lewis Donna
23/5/2017 08:40:04 am
Thanks for sharing, Nick. Very convicting. Blessings!
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Nick Wright
23/5/2017 08:40:33 am
Thanks Lewis. You're welcome! :)
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Dr. Pat Williams
23/5/2017 11:14:04 am
My life has similar leaps of faith. Trust the Process!!
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Nick Wright
23/5/2017 11:15:04 am
Hi Pat. I'm intrigued. Tell us more..?! :)
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Stephen Scott Wright
23/5/2017 03:29:53 pm
The "Herd" of humanity wants you to fit in...to be normal ....societal norms mean average behavior and safe choices. But the greatest rewards are the riskiest and only those Mavericks go a different way...and when they are successful the Herd tries to follow. Don't "fit in"...lead.
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Nick Wright
23/5/2017 03:31:18 pm
Hi Stephen. You reminded me of Richard Bach's 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull'. Do you know it?
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Hester Verwey
23/5/2017 09:44:25 pm
Wow! This is such a great testimony. I also want to hear more.👏😌
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Nick Wright
23/5/2017 09:46:11 pm
Thanks Hester. You made me smile. :)
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Julie Dupont
24/5/2017 09:19:19 am
All I can say is "What tremendous courage!!!!" Your story is a true inspiration Nick, thank you so much for sharing.
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Nick Wright
24/5/2017 09:22:30 am
Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Julie. I would love to think of myself as a courageous person. In truth, although some moments did feel breath-takingly scary, deep down I believed that if I jumped with good intention, Jesus would somehow catch me. And he did!
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Barbara Plasker
25/5/2017 11:18:09 am
I'm happy to say that at times I've lived on the edge, too. I moved 3000 miles to take a job I didn't want because it was the only opportunity offered to my by the Universe. I wasn't respected in the job I was leaving after management changed. Within a month I received 2 job offers where I used to live and returned to the most challenging, rewarding job I ever had. Faith and trust proved to be the path to follow!
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Nick Wright
25/5/2017 11:18:58 am
Hi Barbara. Sounds like you have been on quite a journey...literally as well as metaphorically!
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Julia M. Winston
26/5/2017 02:40:48 pm
I love this. I can totally relate. Way to be brave and obedient.
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Nick Wright
26/5/2017 02:41:46 pm
Thanks Julia. Do you have any personal examples and experiences you could share? :)
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Nick Wright
30/7/2021 12:04:21 am
Hi E.G. Apologies - 3 months later and I have only just seen your comment. To be honest…my life has been incredibly “sensible” compared to the many adventures that you have lived…! 😎
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! Like what you read? Simply enter your email address below to receive regular blog updates!
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