I was on a podcast the other day. Classic me… I prepared just enough, but not too much. I had a few notes at the ready… and of course used maybe 1/5 of them.

But that’s okay. For me, the notes were less about what they said and more about being my security blanket. Just having them there made me feel better. Because I was there to talk about me and my business—and I know I don’t really need notes for that (!!)—but still…It’s funny what happens in those moments. The tricks our minds play.

Once we started talking, I relaxed. I got present. I followed the thread (which intellectually I 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 would happen, but my emotional side said to have those notes). The best parts came out unscripted. And the notes just sat there.

I have to give the host credit—he created such a great ambiance. He made it easy to show up in the best light possible.

✴️ Which brings me to coaching.

In my coaching, I prepare too. I want to make sure I’m doing the best and most I can to help my client get through whatever is holding them back, and onto where (and who) they really want to be. But because listening is such a key part of coaching, I often have to pivot away from my prep to make sure I’m meeting them where they actually are… not where I thought we’d go.

And like a great host, part of what I’m always trying to do is help my clients feel good—not just about the work they’re doing… but about themselves.

Because the real work isn’t usually in what’s planned. It’s in what shows up—and what you choose to do with it.