The Power of Small Stories in Coaching
When people think about coaching, they often picture big breakthroughs—figuring out a career path, conquering burnout, or navigating a huge life transition. And those moments do matter. But often, the lessons that stick with us come from the smallest stories—the ones we almost overlook.
Here’s one of mine.
The other night, I was driving my 12-year-old daughter to the dance studio where she trains. We were running late, I hadn’t even thought about dinner yet, and my brain was juggling a dozen tasks waiting for me back home. Honestly, I was already three hours ahead of myself.
At a red light, I looked over at her. Hair pulled back in a messy bun, earbuds in, she was quietly marking through the choreography with her hands, her foot tapping out counts against the floorboard. The way the sunlight hit her face, she looked both grown and so young at the same time. And I thought: this is a moment I could miss if I keep living in my head.
She wasn’t just “going to dance.” She was showing up for something she loves, something that teaches her resilience, discipline, and joy. And in that second, I remembered—those are the same qualities I help my clients practice every day. Presence. Commitment. Learning to keep going when things get hard.
That pause didn’t erase my to-do list. But it grounded me. It reminded me that the work of becoming isn’t just in the big decisions—it’s in the small choices we make to show up, to notice, to breathe.
That’s what I bring into coaching, too. You don’t always need a massive plan to move forward. Sometimes it starts with a pause, a single shift in focus, or a reminder that where you are right now holds something worth noticing.
When you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, ask yourself:
Where can I pause, even briefly?
What’s happening right in front of me that I want to remember?
What small shift could make the rest of the day feel lighter?
The small stories matter. They’re the seeds of transformation—for our kids, for ourselves, and for anyone learning to write a new path.
✨ Your Turn: Think of one moment this week—a drive, a conversation, even a glance across the room—that brought you clarity or calm. Write it down. Notice what it teaches you about what you need more of in your life.
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At Custom Path Coaching, we specialize in helping teens, young adults, and families strengthen executive functioning skills in ways that feel personal and sustainable. If you’re ready to explore what this could look like for you, [book a session here].
