A good coach tells the truth while supporting your success. Research by Gallwey on the “inner game” shows the self-coaching relationship determines performance. McGonigal’s work on willpower shows self-compassion outperforms self-criticism. The critic destroys motivation through shame; the enabler destroys progress through permissiveness; the coach builds capability through honest, supportive guidance.
This companion covers the coach versus other inner voices, what good coaches do, the coach’s questions, what your coach might say today, developing your inner coach, and the firm-supportive balance. (4 min read)