What I do and don’t believe

The Power of Belief

Has anyone ever told you they believe in you?
I mean, held your gaze and earnestly expressed that they would stand behind you or before you to encourage you to pursue your ideas?
Catalyzed your motivation or willingness by instilling trust?
In a moment of defeat, encouraged you to stand up and try again?

It’s an experience I first recall witnessing with my professor and late mentor Burt Swersey (the link is worth opening!) as he sat with a confused student after class. I was his teaching assistant at the time, and accompanying his students into empowered ideation was a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

Students on the brink of graduating university are a rare breed of humans, simultaneously emboldened to take on the world and stepping into the abyss of working adulthood. Just on the verge of imposter syndrome.

He held the student’s shoulder, looked them in the eye, and asked, “Has anyone ever told you they believe in you?”
Barely waiting a breath before responding, “because I believe in you.”
Words spoken more from eye to eye and heart to heart than from mouth to ear.
I wasn’t the only one who observed this and got goosebumps.

Life can be marked by such moments, of stepping into the unknown with belief as a tailwind.

I believe in my clients who want to be more themselves or to realize long-sought dreams.
I believe in my clients who have ideas that make them anxious, afraid, or excited.
I believe in my clients who confess their fears and insecurities.
I believe in my clients who don’t know if it’s okay to believe in themselves.
I believe in my clients who feel far away from knowing what they want.

I don’t believe it’s my place to question what’s feasible in the scope of coaching.
I do believe it’s my place to believe in you.

And I do.
I believe in you.

What’s New?

This month, I returned to work from a trip that was a little less restful than I’d hoped.

I’m grateful to have returned to clients who are curious to grow, expand, and shift their thinking. 

Just this last week, one told me they were finally inspired to pursue something that used to feel like a fantasy.
Another looked at things in a different way and found reassurance and support.
A third mentioned that he never would have thought of a tool I proposed to work through his dilemma.

And that’s what I’m grateful for: the chance to believe in you and walk at your side as we jointly discover new terrain.

And What Else?

Thanks to all of you for your varying modes of support and believing in my work, too. 

Alongside 1:1 and team coaching, And What Else? started to make its way into the world last month, and the reception has been wonderful. Here’s a snapshot of some use-cases:

A card deck titled 'And What Else?' with a colorful design, featuring a guide for exploring insights, placed beside a yellow box labeled 'JOY' and a brown notebook, all on a tray table in an airplane.

“The card I drew: what if the solution is simple? I have been struggling with my positioning. I made it unnecessary complex. The card asked the opposite question, and that was the whole exercise.” – Paulo T.

A table with a card game box titled 'And What Else?' next to a stack of colorful challenge cards and an open notebook with a prompt asking about today's learning challenge.

“After years of journaling, I need a breath of fresh air in my morning routine and that’s exactly what the cards brought me. Surprisingly often, a question ends up exactly where it gets exciting. I particularly like how the cards take you one step by step deeper and open up new perspectives again and again.
Absolute recommendation for anyone who loves good questions and needs a breath of fresh air for a good orientation for the day!” – Tim S.

A wooden bowl centerpiece on a dining table featuring decorative pumpkins, succulents, and a metal lantern, next to a box labeled 'And What Else?'

“Our new nightly dinner conversation starter!”

A person holding a card deck titled 'And What Else?' along with a note from andjoy.coach, outdoors with a cloudy sky in the background.

“Opened it right away and big questions and conversations were ignited!! I can’t wait to use these in so many ways. These cards are just so wonderful thank you!!”

One Question

One question I’m asking myself and would love to invite you to explore:

What if it all works out? 

To take it deeper, explore:

  • What is “it”?
  • What does “working out” look like for you?
  • What shifts in you when you explore “what if…”?

Like what you see?

Here’s where you can order And What Else?:

In October, I’ll be diving deep into job coaching with a few Fired Up clients. I’ve been supporting job-seekers via Fired Up for 1.5 years already, and it’s such a privilege to support folks in transition looking to find or adjust their professional footing. This is a special program supported by Germany’s Federal Employment Agency. November will be back to the “classroom,” delivering the People Management component of TranslaStars’ Localization Management Academy (currently 60% off!).

Did I mention that I love supporting people? I do.

In joy,
Stephen

Stephen Nock

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