Axe-throwing

well its not the first thing that would come to mind

but then why not?

It was a great birthday present for my husband but I was not sure he would like it.

So we decided to book a date for the whole family to have a go- and it was great!

When we arrived we had a thorough safety briefing.

Then I picked up an axe!

It was an angel axe (a small 4 bladed axe). I threw it and it landed on the floor. My husband threw his, and it landed on the floor. The instructor gave us some more tips and allowed us to readjust what we were doing. My sailed through the air and landed in the target with a satisfying “thunk”. My husband did the same readjusting and his landed….. on the floor. This then repeated itself – mine embedding itself in the target and and my husband’s bouncing off and falling on the floor.

Needing to Deal with Frustration

Then we were introduced to the hatchet. I picked it up, threw it and it bounced off the target. I readjusted, threw the hatchet – nope that did not go in. Then again, readjusted and no matter what I did or how many throws I had could not get it into the target. I got very frustrated. I did not know what to do to get that hatchet to land in the target. What I did know was I needed to deal with my frustration otherwise I would not get the axe to land and not enjoy the rest of the session. Even worse I would not make it fun for my family either.

This became more evident when my husband picked up the hatchet, threw it well and stuck into the target. He was off and away; never missed after that. The hatchet was his axe.

So what happened?

Despite the frustration, in the end I did get the hatchet to land in the target and my husband managed to throw an angel axe effectively. But the time, space to readjust, with advice and reassurance and support of the instructor was key to us learning the skill but also enjoying the session.

It made me think of other examples in my life where having an opportunity to talk and reflect on what I am doing, with a supportive colleague in order to improve has really helped me. I found examples in my professional life, personal life, parenting, caring for elderly relatives and even gardening!

What happens if you do not have the opportunity to reflect?

Coaching can help you deal with frustration. When you need time and space to look at what you are doing, and work out how to do things better and achieve your goals, coaching can give you that time and space. It will also allow you to find the way that suits you. There is no “one size (or axe) fits all” here. In addition, finding your way (or axe) does not need to take that long. A power hour can really set you on your way – just like axe throwing!

I would be happy to help you so please get in touch at The Professionals Coach – no axes are needed- PROMISE!