High Performance: Phases of Inner Work
In our introductory blog, we explored the concept of Inner Work and its profound ability to transform High Performers (HPs) into their most authentic selves. We discussed the necessity of delving deep within to unearth and shed the metaphorical "rocks" that weigh us down, preventing us from living fully aligned with our true purposes.
Building on that foundation, we’re now ready to explore the structured phases of the Inner Work process, a journey that is as unique as the individuals who embark on it. Each phase represents a critical step in the transformation from good to great, not just within our professions, but in our personal and home lives, as well. Let’s begin by focusing on an outline of these phases in detail, providing a clear roadmap for those ready to begin or advance their journey of self-discovery and improvement.
The process is non-linear, allowing each High Performer to navigate through the phases in an order that best suits their personal growth needs. From the initial excavation to the final stages of refinement and living as the new you, each phase is designed to foster self-awareness, resilience, and transformation.
Join me as we break down these phases, starting with the crucial first step: excavation. This phase is about digging deep to uncover the truths about ourselves that we often overlook. We’ll explore the tools and techniques that facilitate this discovery, such as assessments, tailored coaching, and reflective practices. As we conclude, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how each phase functions and why each is vital to achieving true high performance.
The Phases Explained
Phase 1: Excavation
Excavation is the foundational phase of Inner Work where High Performers begin their transformative journey. This stage is about digging deep into one's psyche to uncover the "rocks,” or those deeply ingrained beliefs, experiences, and habits that subconsciously shape our behaviors and outcomes. The goal is to identify what these elements are, their origins, and how they currently impact our professional and personal lives.
In this phase, various tools and techniques are employed to facilitate this deep dive. Online assessments provide a structured way to reflect on personal characteristics and behaviors, revealing patterns that may not be immediately apparent. Tailored coaching sessions encourage open dialogue about these discoveries, helping individuals to confront and understand their inner landscapes. Meditation and prescribed readings serve as homework between sessions, deepening self-awareness and reinforcing the insights gained.
Excavation is crucial because it sets the stage for all subsequent phases of the Inner Work process. By clearly identifying and understanding the barriers to one's current performance and well-being, High Performers are better prepared to address and remove these obstacles, paving the way for genuine transformation and excellence.
Phase 2: Willingness to Act
Once the excavation reveals the deep-seated rocks, the next crucial step is developing a Willingness to Act. This phase is about cultivating the readiness and commitment to make meaningful changes. It requires a conscious decision to move beyond awareness into action - choosing to confront and alter long-established patterns that no longer serve one's best interests.
This stage is characterized by a mental shift from contemplation to determination to form plans which support the desired actions to change your life. High Performers start setting specific, actionable goals (called Objectives and Key Results, or OKRs) that align with their authentic selves and true aspirations. This is like setting a course in your GPS for a road trip. The focus is on foreseeing obstacles, planning to overcome hesitations, and fostering a mindset geared toward proactive change. Supportive coaching and accountability mechanisms are pivotal during this phase, helping individuals stay committed to their decision to transform and ensuring that the initial momentum gained from self-discovery is not lost but rather channeled into concrete steps forward.
Phase 3: New Action
The New Action phase marks the stage where High Performers begin to implement the changes they’ve committed to in the Willingness to Act phase. This is about putting plans into motion and actively integrating new behaviors and strategies into daily life. Keep in mind that these don’t always take place in a particular order. This can be a lot like singing Mary Had a Little Lamb in rounds, like many of us did in our elementary school days. We can work on a few things over the medium term (sort of overlapping), depending on what life is throwing at you.
In this phase, High Performers apply the insights gained from excavation and their commitment to change, testing out new ways of thinking and behaving. It's a period of experimentation and adjustment, where each action is aimed at overcoming previously identified barriers and enhancing overall performance.
Success in this phase often depends on maintaining a flexible approach to problem-solving and being open to continual learning and adaptation. Regular feedback sessions and ongoing support from the coach are crucial as they provide the necessary guidance and encouragement to refine these new actions until they become ingrained habits that lead to sustained improvement.
Phase 4: Staying the Course
Staying the Course is the phase where High Performers consolidate their new behaviors and ensure these changes become lasting transformations. This stage is crucial for reinforcing the new practices until they become part of one's daily routine and professional life.
Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, making resilience, openness, and persistence key traits to cultivate during this phase. High Performers learn to navigate obstacles and resist the temptation to revert to old habits. Reversion to old mechanisms is a strong pull, and failure is not uncommon. When it happens, the client usually learns just how deeply embedded this is. Staying on track requires sharp self-awareness and vigilance in maintaining the commitments made in earlier phases.
Support systems such as peer groups, mentors, and coaches play a vital role here, providing encouragement and accountability. Regular reflection and revisiting the goals set in the New Action phase help keep the momentum alive, ensuring that the progress made is not only preserved but built upon, leading to sustained high performance and personal growth.
Phase 5: Evaluation and Refinement
Evaluation and Refinement is the final phase where High Performers assess the effectiveness of the new behaviors and strategies they have implemented. This stage involves critical reflection on what has been achieved and identifying areas for further improvement. Once you get the hang of it, it is common to operate from phase 3 through 5 in a loop, if there are snags. So, if we are here in phase 3, we hit a snag and know where the snag originates, then we’re able to go back to phase 3 to pick up again.
Through regular self-assessment and feedback from the coach, peers, and other advisors, High Performers can pinpoint what works well and what needs adjustment on the fly. This continuous cycle of evaluation, refinement, and new action helps ensure that the work remains relevant and aligned with personal and professional growth goals throughout the coaching engagement. It is an ongoing process that fosters perpetual growth, helping High Performers not only maintain their gains but also continually adapt and thrive.
Examples and Anecdotes
Each phase arrives with its own timing and stays as long as is necessary for the HP to process the lessons from the phase and integrate them into his or her life.
Here are some examples from my own personal experience:
Excavation - I had a client come to me recently with equal unrest in his work life, as well as his home life. The client’s business has been flat or growing slowly for the last several years, and their marriage is still suffering from an infidelity incident. As we moved into the excavation phase, the client began to dig to find the base of the feelings and thoughts he was suffering with. What came up is the client’s years-long contributions to their own pain, namely deep feelings of not being “good enough.” They were then compensating with short-term pleasures, such as food and alcohol, and unnecessary amounts of work. These realizations were critical for moving to the next phase.
Staying the Course - One client I have been serving for over a year now has been through these phases a few times in several aspects of their life. After several months, something we had long worked through (and thought was finished) came back around with a vengeance. They thought this “monkey” was off their back for good. The symptoms of recurrence are usually a lot of external-facing blame and irritation with those we are closest to at work or home. In this particular case, it was work. They were really letting some internal strife within their leadership team fester.
As the coach, I could tell something was off by how long they spent “in the story,” telling me about every little detail. Then I asked a question that usually gets their attention. I asked, “Who am I talking to right now?” This question usually makes a client pause because it lets them know they don’t sound like themselves. After some longer processing within the session, the client realized that some deeper trauma from the past had crept back into their life, and they couldn’t see it on their own. Strong feelings and ranting are great indicators of slipping in our inner work (which is totally normal). Here, the client realized they need to revisit the issue and see how it is still holding them back. They made the choice to stay the course with this particular issue until it falls away again.
Transitioning Between Phases
Transitions between the phases of the Inner Work process are critical junctures that require thoughtful navigation and readiness to adapt. Each transition demands a recalibration of goals and strategies, ensuring that High Performers remain aligned with their personal and professional growth objectives.
As High Performers move from one phase to the next, they must continuously integrate new insights and modify behaviors based on ongoing evaluations. These shifts involve a blend of self-awareness, determination, and flexibility - qualities essential for overcoming the inherent challenges of change.
Having a coach as a guide through these transitions is critical. A coach provides the necessary perspective and support to navigate the complexities of each phase effectively, enhancing the ability to manage changes and sustain progress.
Successfully navigating these transitions involves viewing each phase not as a discrete step but as part of a holistic journey towards self-actualization. The ability to fluidly move between phases, sometimes revisiting previous stages or adjusting paths forward, is crucial for achieving long-term transformation.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on the Inner Work journey is genuinely transformative in all aspects of life, pushing High Performers to reshape their deepest beliefs for personal and professional pursuits of excellence. Each phase, guided non-linearly and tailored to individual needs, demands focus and resilience. A coach's presence is invaluable, providing the necessary support and insights to navigate this complex process effectively. Reflect on how each phase resonates with your experiences and aspirations, and embrace the opportunity to evolve towards your highest potential.
If you’re looking to make meaningful, lasting change in your life, I invite you to view my LinkedIn or Instagram content and to reach out to me for any help you may want along the way.
I am here to help you!
