Real Personal Growth with Coaching & Intentional Living (video)

Unlocking Personal Transformation: In-Depth Lessons from “17 Runs” and the Power of Coaching

In a world where personal development is often reduced to buzzwords and quick fixes, the journey of Garnet Morris and Olivia Chadwick—as explored in their book, 17 Runs, and discussed on the Expert Insight Interview podcast—offers a refreshingly authentic roadmap to real, lasting change. Hosted by John Golden, this episode dives deep into the nuances of coaching, the dismantling of limiting beliefs, and the transformative power of intentional relationships.

Below, we break down the main themes and actionable insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to embark on their own journey of personal transformation.

The Transformative Power of Coaching

Key Insight:
Coaching is not just about physical training or skill acquisition—it’s about unlocking potential, fostering accountability, and creating a safe space for vulnerability and growth.

What Makes Coaching Transformative?

• Personalized Guidance:
  Garnet’s journey began at age 40, a time when he recognized the need for external support to break through personal barriers. Unlike generic advice, coaching offers tailored strategies that address individual challenges.
• Mutual Growth:
  Olivia and Garnet’s relationship evolved from a traditional coach-trainee dynamic into a reciprocal mentorship. Both parties learned from each other, highlighting that effective coaching is a two-way street.
• Safe Space for Vulnerability:
  Their running sessions became a platform for deep, honest conversations. This emotional safety net allowed Garnet to confront his struggles and Olivia to share her own, fostering mutual trust and growth.

Expert Advice:
Seek out coaches or mentors who not only provide expertise but also create an environment where you feel safe to be vulnerable. Growth happens at the intersection of challenge and support.

Confronting and Dismantling Limiting Beliefs

Key Insight:
Limiting beliefs—often internalized from societal expectations or past experiences—act as invisible barriers to progress. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs is essential for transformation.

The “Bricks and Dominoes” Analogy

• Bricks:
  Represent the heavy, foundational beliefs that weigh us down (e.g., “I’m not athletic,” “I can’t change at my age”).
• Dominoes:
  Once a brick is removed, it sets off a chain reaction, making it easier to tackle other challenges.

How to Dismantle Limiting Beliefs

• Awareness:
  Identify the beliefs that are holding you back. Are they truly yours, or have they been imposed by others?
• Externalization:
  As Olivia suggests, recognize that these beliefs are not inherent truths but constructs that can be changed.
• Action:
  Take small, consistent steps to challenge these beliefs. Garnet started with short runs, gradually building confidence and capability.

Actionable Tip:
Write down your top three limiting beliefs. For each, ask: “Whose voice is this?” and “What evidence do I have that contradicts this belief?” Start with one small action that challenges each belief.

Intentionality: The Engine of Change

Key Insight:
Intentionality is about setting clear goals and aligning your actions with your desired outcomes. It’s not about complexity, but about consistency and clarity.

Practicing Intentionality

• Goal Setting:
  Garnet advocates for working backward from a clear goal. Define what success looks like, then map out the steps needed to get there.
• Showing Up:
  Olivia was struck by Garnet’s commitment to punctuality and presentation, even during early morning sessions. This intentionality signaled respect for the process and for their partnership.
• Simplicity:
  Intentionality doesn’t require elaborate plans. Sometimes, it’s as simple as deciding to show up, no matter the circumstances.

Actionable Tip:
Choose one area of your life where you want to be more intentional. Set a specific, measurable goal, and outline three daily actions that will move you closer to it.

Generosity and Seeing the Best in Others

Key Insight:
Generosity isn’t just about giving resources—it’s about giving belief, encouragement, and support. Seeing the best in others can be a catalyst for their growth.

The Power of Generosity

• Belief as a Gift:
  Olivia notes that Garnet often saw potential in her and others that they couldn’t see themselves. This belief can be transformative, helping people rise to new heights.
• Strengths-Based Focus:
  Instead of fixating on weaknesses, focus on amplifying strengths. This creates a positive feedback loop that encourages further growth.
• Quoting Wisdom:
  Garnet references Tina Con’s “Teachings on Love”: “Everyone is perfect as they are, but there is always room for improvement.” This mindset balances acceptance with aspiration.

Actionable Tip:
Identify someone in your circle who could benefit from encouragement. Reach out with a specific compliment or offer support for their goals.

The Concept of Chosen Family

Key Insight:
While biological family is important, we have the power to curate our own “chosen family”—a circle of trust, support, and mutual growth.

Building Your Chosen Family

• Intentional Relationships:
  Olivia and Garnet’s bond exemplifies how chosen family can provide the support and understanding that may be lacking elsewhere.
• Empowerment:
  The idea that you can choose who you surround yourself with is liberating, especially for those from challenging backgrounds.
• Shared Values:
  Chosen family is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to each other’s growth.

Actionable Tip:
Reflect on your current relationships. Who uplifts you? Who drains you? Make a conscious effort to invest more in relationships that nurture your growth.

Actionable Steps for Your Own Journey

1. Find a Coach or Mentor:
   Seek someone who challenges and supports you, and be open to learning from them.
2. Identify and Challenge Limiting Beliefs:
   Use journaling or conversation to bring these beliefs to light and actively work to dismantle them.
3. Practice Daily Intentionality:
   Set clear goals and align your actions with your desired outcomes.
4. Be Generous with Encouragement:
   Offer belief and support to others, and watch how it transforms both them and you.
5. Curate Your Chosen Family:
   Build a network of relationships that foster mutual growth and support.

Your Path to Transformation

The journey of Olivia Chadwick and Garnet Morris, as captured in 17 Runs and their candid podcast conversation, is a testament to the power of coaching, intentionality, and supportive relationships. Their story reminds us that transformation is possible at any stage of life, and that the right support system can make all the difference.

Ready to start your own journey?

• Reflect on the actionable tips above.
• Consider reading 17 Runs for deeper insights.
• Remember: The first step is often the hardest, but with intentionality and support, you can unlock your true potential.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.