Great coaches don’t start out great — they start as disciples of great coaches. The relationship between coach and mentor is timeless: Socrates with Aristotle and Plato. Jesus with Paul and Peter. Yoda and Luke Skywalker. They walked together, learned together, struggled, celebrated, and passed on wisdom. Coaching has always been about transformation through relationship.
Stoic philosophy teaches that true coaching cultivates virtue — wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation — while avoiding the excesses of money, power, fame, and pleasure. Aristotle called this balance the Golden Mean. In the Christian faith, we might call it living in a “Christ-like” way, seeking humility, grace, and self-control. My coach created the Middle Way Institute here in Atlanta. Their reach is national and international. I’ve been a client there for over 14 years and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my coach. The experience has been fantastic and I am forever grateful to my coach. Information leads to transformation.
My coach, Dean, taught me one of life’s most powerful lessons: life plays out on a stage full of drama. To lead and grow, you must step off that stage and move up to the balcony — a place of perspective and healthy detachment. From there, you can ask the questions that reveal truth: Are you avoiding what needs attention? Are you overreacting in frustration or fear? Coaching helps us find the middle ground, where balance, wisdom, and peace reside.
Coaching isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. We’re all beggars helping other beggars find bread. Every one of us needs a coach, and someone to coach. When you coach, you learn it twice. When you serve, you grow in love.
Wouldn’t it be a better world if we each took time to help someone else learn — to create virtue in ourselves and others? That’s what great coaches do. And maybe, that’s exactly what the world needs most right now.
Who’s your coach — and who are you coaching? Take time this week to invest in both relationships. Growth multiplies when it’s shared.
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