"That's everything, huh?"

In the last few weeks I've sent the same scene from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to two of my clients.

What does Buffy have to do with coaching?

Imagine you're trying to so something new. Create something new, venture out on your own, break away from the traditions, expectations, and pressures constantly whispering in your ear that you're safer as you are, and chasing dreams is dangerous.

It can be so hard. For many of us, just articulating what we want is a job of work. (The first time a coach asked me what I wanted I panicked because I didn't understand the question.) Then there's your "Why," your reason for pursuing this new dream. Is that clear? And, of course, you also have to address the gremlin whispering those sour nothings into your ear about how you're not ready or good enough or whatever other lies they like to tell.

Addressing all of this is the work of coaching, fundamentally. It works because it's done in relationship, in an alliance between coaching and client.

We are all also in relationship with a whole variety of people in our lives--family, friends, colleagues. We have allies we can enlist in the pursuit of our dreams. As my energy teacher Jesse is always saying, "Anything worth doing is worth doing with support."

At the same time, there comes a decisive moment in this process. The moment when an individual steps forward, not because of someone else, not in reaction to someone or something, but led by the wisdom of their own heart. Clear-eyed, calm, knowing exactly what they want and what's right for them. Ready.

It's the most beautiful thing to witness. And it reminds me of this scene in Buffy.

There she is, at the end of season two, battling the baddest vampire in Sunnydale and her former boyfriend, Angel. She knows she's supported, of course. She also knows her purpose--she's going to save the world, and nothing this creep says to try to undermine her will stop her from carrying out her mission.

Then he knocks her on her ass and disarms her. It looks like it's over for our Slayer. Angel stands over her and taunts her with a sword, saying, "That's everything, huh? No weapons, no friends, no hope. Take all that away, and what's left?" She closes her eyes. He lunges forward with his sword.

And she stops the blade an inch from her face with her hands, her eyes fly open and she says:

"Me."

From there, she smacks the sword into his face, epic fight continues to a dramatic, heart-wrenching conclusion, blah blah blah. But you see the point now, don't you?

Because when it's time to take that step--make the choice, leap into the unknown--even with all the tools and weapons and allies, at the end of the day it starts with the wisdom, passion, and clarity of just one person.

You.

No matter what you're trying to achieve, no matter what your reasons are, and no matter how many metaphorical (or real, I don't know your life) demons you may need slay, you have exactly everything you need within you, right now, to take the most important next step.

And if you need a little help shining a light on what all that is to help you get there, hey. That's what your coach is for.