The Shift Starts With You
There’s a well-known story about a mother who took her son to see Mahatma Gandhi. Her son loved sweets, and she asked Gandhi to tell him to stop eating sugar for his health.
Gandhi asked her to return in a few weeks.
When they came back, Gandhi turned to the boy and said, “You should stop eating sugar.”
The mother asked why he hadn’t just said that the first time.
Gandhi replied, “Because a few weeks ago, I was still eating sugar myself.”
I don’t know if the story is true, but it landed with me.
This came up again recently in a coaching session. My client wanted to get better at acknowledging greatness in others … to really see people and help them recognise what’s possible. It was a beautiful intention.
Then I asked a simple question:
“How are you doing at acknowledging yourself?”
The pause said everything.
She realised that was the missing piece.
That afternoon, she sent me a photo of a blank journal … 105 pages she’s going to fill with daily acknowledgements of herself.
It starts with us!
So often, in leadership and in life, we want things to shift out there.
We want someone to step up.
To listen better.
To be more accountable.
To communicate more clearly.
And those are valid desires. But when we turn the spotlight gently inward, we often find the place where the shift begins. Not from blame or guilt … but from possibility.
Want your team to take more ownership?
Where could you take a little more yourself?
Want better communication in your business or home?
Where could you bring more clarity or patience?
Want a deeper connection with your partner or kids?
Where could you lean in a little more vulnerably?
You are the writer, director, producer and lead actor in the story of your life. Not a heavy responsibility … it’s an invitation.
To shape your experience.
To influence the outcomes.
To lead by how you show up.
If something isn’t quite working … you’re tired, stretched, frustrated, unsure … the answer might not be found in fixing or changing everything around you.
It might begin by simply turning toward yourself with honesty and compassion.
That’s often where real change begins.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear how … peter@pm-coaching.co.uk
And if you’re in a season where something big is shifting … or needs to … and you want support that’s grounded, real and transformational.
Call me … I can help.
Much love,
Peter