Catalysts

I don’t mean to remind you of chemistry class, but I do want to refresh your memory about one topic: catalysts. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.  It is usually small and does not use up a large amount of energy.  In your life, a catalyst is an event or idea that propels you forward in a direction you want to go.  It could be a book, a video, a conversation with a friend, a dream, or a coaching session.  You know what you want in life and how to get there, you just don’t know that you know.

A few of years ago, I was burnt out in my work and started looking for work I would enjoy.  I read some books and did lots of thinking.  One weekend, I found some videos about coaching and watched all of them.  I considered joining that coaching program but that didn’t seem like the best fit for me.  I researched coaching programs and found Co-Active Training Institute, which sounded perfect for me.  I eventually earned my certification through CTI and I love being a coach. I may have eventually found out about coaching another way but these videos were a catalyst and got me in gear.

When the catalyst sparks your energy, you gain insight and take the first steps to get you where you want to go. You are seeing catalysts often but may not be paying attention.  If you keep yourself open to catalysts, you will be able to use them to spark change.  What has triggered your thinking recently?  How can you act on it?