The Power of Assessment

I recently renewed my certification as a Mov Nat Trainer!

And as these things go, it required I take some tests, record videos both of me performing numerous skills as well as coaching clients.

Do you remember taking tests in school? Or are you currently in a situation where you are being tested?

So many thoughts and feelings come up! As well as so many coping behaviors!

There’s these thoughts: “Am I good enough?” “Do I know enough?” “Who’s judging me?” “I’m surely embarrassing myself…”

There’s the reaction to those thoughts: “why am I even doing this?” “this test doesn’t even matter.” “maybe I should devote my time to something else…”

And finally, there’s the reactionary coping behaviors: Procrastination, diversion, evasion… “Now’s a great time to start cleaning the garage!… or maybe there’s someone else’s garage I can clean…”

But finally, because I had a deadline, I got it all done! and passed with flying colors (I said humbly…)

And the funny thing is, I really enjoyed the process! I renewed my enthusiasm for this philosophy for physical training! and I learned about myself - where I could improve, and what I was already proficient in - and that actually gave me inspiration for my future training and coaching!

So, what was all the fuss about?

I think it was ingrained in many of us that tests were judgments of who we are, our intelligence, our worth as a person. Failing a test can sometimes become fused with the thought “I am a failure”. And under that belief, no wonder we fear getting tested! (it’s not just me… is it? haha)

But if we shift our perspective, assessments are simply objective information telling us where we are - with our understanding, skill, strength, or whatever is being measured. And in that sense, an assessment is simply a compass direction - helping us navigate toward those things we aspire to. And if the assessments are for things that hold meaning in our lives, these compass directions are powerful motivators to correct course, and enthusiastically wayfind our path toward our ideals!

That’s actually how I think of the assessments I use in my coaching programs.

Start with what’s not working: where do you feel pain (physically, emotionally, mentally)?

Assess and clarify where you’d like to be. (I dare you to even dream up your ideal life.)

Then let’s assess what’s going to take you in that direction. Maybe it’s physical alignment, better movement patterns or natural movement skills. Maybe it’s dissolving limiting beliefs or learning skills of psychological flexibility. And maybe it’s making adjustments to your environment, habits, and getting better social support. Without these assessments, it’s like we’re stubbornly wandering in the dark.

With them, we shine a light on the path for where you’re intending to go.

If you’d like get a clearer picture of what your next steps might be, book a free Alignment Wayfinding Session.

We’ll discuss where you are and where you’d like to go. If I think I can help you get there, I’ll let you know, would be happy to talk about my coaching programs. And if I think I’m not the right fit for you, I’ll let you know that as well, and would be happy to suggest any next steps… Either way, just going through this assessment process can bring great clarity!

Here’s to wayfinding toward our best lives,

Patrick

Assessing my climbing sklls

Assessing my Vaulting skills