Greg Stimac, MD Candidate Georgetown University School of Medicine Class of 2020
Coaching has been around since the beginning of modern thought, and many practices and theories that are applicable to fulfillment can be traced to early Greek and Roman etiology. The great stoics and peripatetics even had coaches. In fact, a tenant of Aristotelian philosophy is the concept of “eudemonia.” A eudemonic life arises from striving, pushing oneself to rational limits, and ultimately finding success. With it derives happiness from achievement rather than just entitlement. It comes with the satisfaction of being the best person you can be, and from that, the concept of virtue theory emerges, which claims that people will inevitably pursue good in life as they strive for excellence. Moreover, the aphorism “know thyself” has its origins in Greek culture. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher elaborates on the phrase by stating “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
I am reminded that the practices of the great thinkers before us have laid the foundation for my own virtues and moral theories. As such, I realized I was in a unique position because I had a coach in my midst who was willing to help me become a more confident individual, and in some ways, I am a reflection of these long-deceased individuals. I firmly believe the best way to “know thyself” is to be seen through the eyes of another who will give you an honest and objective perspective on your character.
My testimony to coaching’s efficacy lies in a revelation I had about my personality: a way I came to know myself. A few years ago, I noticed I’d changed from a once outspoken and confident individual to a much more anxious, stoic introvert who lived mostly in his mind. While this isn’t necessarily a negative attribute, I’d once been the theatre geek who was involved in every production in high school. Ironically, this anxiety juxtaposed itself in a fear for public speaking and musical performance, even among those I’d consider my closest friends. I knew this feeling was completely irrational, and possessing this quality clashed with my logical intellect. To me, this was a failure of character, and I considered this quality a large enough problem that I wanted to fix it. Coaching helped me focus my attitude and held me accountable for my own emotions. Although I only had a few sessions, my coach, Sharon Blackborow, employed cognitive and behavioral techniques to help lessen this fear with time. Beyond my primary goal for the coaching, it had the secondary effect of helping me become more in tune with my thoughts and emotions. I feel reinvigorated largely because of the effects coaching has had on me and have become happier because of it. I recognize the fulfillment I’ve sought in life finally coming to fruition simply because I asked for help.
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