How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 228

Did the best part of your day even make it onto that list? It's not
likely.
The second question was called an "appreciative inquiry"; a
question that may have inspired you to think differently about
your experience with the world. Rather than following our
natural tendency to focus on all that is wrong with our day, a
simple shift in words can change our focus.
You may have even noticed a difference in how you felt when
you considered the best part of your day. Many experience a
greater sense of calm or joy, for example, that isn't felt when
only recalling what happened during the day.
Because what we focus on grows, coaches encourage coachees
to look first to the things that are right with their world. The
second question may have supported you in savoring that "best
experience." Savoring experiences, positive psychologist have
learned, is one key to happiness.
This reminds me of the quote a colleague has on her wall, "We
do not remember days, we remember moments." Our days get
lost and forgotten in the blur of activities, unless we pause to
savor the moments.
When we look at our lives appreciatively, we are better able to
find the beauty in them, even amidst the inevitable chaos; we
leverage our strengths to face our challenges; and, we focus on
what we want wish for, rather than what we don't want.
You can use appreciative inquires in your interactions with
others, and as reflection tools for yourself. A few of the key
elements o