Wednesday's Wisdom
- Tavia Robinson
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
A Coaching Perspective on Self-Acceptance & Inner Balance
“The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.”
— Euripides
In today’s politically charged and emotionally saturated environment, balance is no longer a luxury—it is a leadership competency.
As leaders, professionals, and change agents, we are constantly navigating external pressure, competing narratives, and relentless expectations. Yet coaching reminds us of a foundational truth: sustainable leadership begins with internal alignment.
Pause here for a moment:
Release the distractions...
Take a deep breath in… exhale slowly...
Again—inhale… exhale...
One more time—inhale… exhale...
Presence creates clarity. And clarity creates choice.
A Powerful Coaching Question:
How do these words from Euripides resonate with you right now—personally and professionally?
Many high-achieving individuals struggle not with competence, but with self-perception.
We often:
Minimize our strengths
Deflect compliments
Over-index on perceived flaws
Hold ourselves to standards we would never impose on others
This pattern quietly erodes confidence, decision-making, and leadership presence.
Iyanla Vanzant offers a timely and grounding reminder—one that aligns deeply with coaching principles around self-awareness, mindset, and internal validation:
“It all begins with our willingness to acknowledge that we are really fine, just the way we are.” — Iyanla Vanzant
From a coaching lens, self-acceptance is not complacency—it is capacity-building.
When we accept ourselves:
We strengthen emotional intelligence
We build authentic confidence
We expand our ability to receive feedback without defensiveness
We lead from wholeness rather than scarcity
Consider This Reflection:
Where are you selling yourself short despite evidence of your capability?
What compliments do you routinely dismiss—and why?
How might your leadership shift if you believed what others already see in you?
Today’s Coaching Challenge: Self-Reflection
(Inspired by Iyanla Vanzant’s Acts of Faith*)*
Name three things you genuinely like about yourself.
Recall moments when others have affirmed these qualities.
Practice receiving—offer a sincere “thank you” without explanation or deflection.
This is not ego. This is self-trust.
Affirmation:
“I really am okay with me.”
In uncertain times, confidence anchored in self-awareness becomes a stabilizing force—not only for you, but for those you lead, influence, and serve.
Coaching Invitation:
What are you willing to release so you can lead with greater authenticity?
What intentional practice will help you remain grounded amid external noise?
Who in your circle needs encouragement to reconnect with their worth?
Be intentional... Model the work... Invite others into reflection—and observe the ripple effect.
When you honor who you are, you give others permission to do the same.
You got this!
— Coach Tavia, PCC, MSEd, MAT
References:
Lemek, S. (n.d.). Self-Acceptance — The Missing Key to Your Personal Health, Growth & Development.
Medium | HLWF℠ Alliance
Self-Acceptance: Characteristics, Importance, and Tips for Improvement.
https://www.verywellmind.com/self-acceptance-importance-ways-to-improve-4177460
Vanzant, I. (2020). Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color.
Atria Books, New York, NY.
Comments