Time to GROW Up

We’ve all heard the phrase "Feel the fear and do it anyway." Inspirational? Yes. Always wise? Not quite. Sometimes, life feels like you’re teetering on the edge of a cliff, and the last thing you want to do is leap into the unknown, hoping for the best. This is where the GROW model in coaching steps in, offering a much-needed pause button. It’s like that friend who says, “Hang on, let’s think about this for a minute,” before you go running headlong into disaster.

What is the GROW Model?

For those unfamiliar with it, GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. It’s essentially a framework to help you reflect on a situation and make informed decisions. Think of it as your personal decision-making sidekick, but with less drama and fewer pep talks involving motivational posters.

• Goal: What do you really want? Sometimes, we jump into action without even knowing what we're aiming for—much like ordering food when you're starving. You end up with too much, none of it good, and wonder how you got there.

• Reality: What’s happening right now? Often, we get so carried away with our desires that we forget to check the map. Are we even on the right road? Reality is where you face the facts—and possibly a few awkward truths.

• Options: This is where the magic happens. It’s about thinking through all your choices (even the mad ones) and considering what might work best. Sometimes, the most left-field option is the winner—other times, it’s the one that keeps you out of trouble.

• Will: Ah, the moment of truth. What will you do? After all that thinking, this is where the rubber meets the road. Will you take action, or will you reconsider your strategy entirely?

A Comedy of Realities

Life doesn’t always work out like an Instagram quote board. "Follow your dreams," they say. But reality sometimes smacks you with a “Can I actually afford this?” or a “Wait, I’m allergic to cats, and I just bought a kitten!” This is where the Reality stage of GROW is pure gold. It’s like someone holding up a mirror and asking, "Are you sure about this?"

For example, you might want to train for a marathon. Admirable goal. But if your last exercise was a brisk walk to the fridge, the Reality stage might suggest a slightly more achievable starting point, like, say, walking around the block.

The Science Bit (Stay With Me)

There’s actual research behind the power of reflection and structured thinking, as seen in models like GROW. Studies have shown that decision-making improves when people pause to reflect, rather than rushing headlong into choices. In fact, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Behavioural Science highlighted that structured reflection enhances both performance and satisfaction in goal achievement. In other words, slowing down to think makes a real difference. (Even if it feels a bit like procrastination sometimes!)

What About "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway"?

Sure, there’s a place for bold, brave actions. But let’s face it: sometimes, “doing it anyway” results in more stress than success. The GROW model gives us permission to slow down and consider our options. It’s like planning your next move on a chessboard instead of just whacking the pieces around. Much less messy.

To quote the wise Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” But let’s not forget—sometimes, it’s useful to check if you’re heading into a wall before you pedal any faster!

GROW in Action

Say you’re faced with a career dilemma. You want to switch jobs, but you’re unsure if it’s the right time. Here’s how GROW might play out:

• Goal: You want a more fulfilling job (preferably one where meetings are optional).

• Reality: You’re currently in a stable job with bills to pay, and the job market is tricky right now.

• Options: You could update your CV, start networking, or try to improve your current role. Or, of course, just sack it all off and move to the beach—though Reality might have something to say about that.

• Will: You decide to start small, updating your LinkedIn and seeing what’s out there before making any rash moves.

By the end, you’ve got a plan that doesn’t involve quitting your job on a Monday morning and fleeing the country—yet.

Final Thoughts

The GROW model is like a satnav for life’s decisions. It doesn’t tell you exactly what to do, but it helps you navigate all those tricky twists and turns. So next time you’re faced with a big decision, take a breath, get your GROW on, and remember: sometimes, the smartest thing is to feel the fear... and think about it for a minute!