The Potential of Coaching + Human Design

In this article, I break down the two primary modalities I use with clients - coaching and Human Design - and explain what they are and how they can facilitate effortless growth in our careers and relationships by helping us be more of ourselves. In other words, how they help us experience more success, satisfaction, and peace, with less resistance.

Coaching creates deep clarity

First off, coaching is a broad term so let's clarify what I'm referring to when I use the word. There's "coaching" in the general sense of the word which has a meaning akin to, "do whatever you want to help someone achieve a goal" and there's coaching as a distinct practice and skill.

By professional coaching standards, coaching is an art and a science that helps expand a person's awareness by, in some ways, assisting them on a guided journey through their psyche. As a result, clients come to recognize and understand the thoughts and beliefs that are causing resistance or suffering in any area of their life.

All challenges go back to what we call the "mind," and the web of thoughts and beliefs we have is nearly impossible to untangle on our own. However, once we understand the root cause, we simultaneously step into a new way of being. That's why coaching works and why it actually creates sustainable change. It's not magic, but it is an art and a science. How do you help a client create their own awareness and change their behavior without explaining it and telling them what to do? Through skilled listening, questioning, reflection, and so forth.

Telling people what to do doesn't work for obvious reasons I won't get into here, but the point is that people need to be able to trust themselves - not just their coach.

Human Design shows us our unique decision-making method

This is where Human Design comes in and gives us another understanding of why outside advice isn't that helpful for changing our behavior and navigating personal decisions. It shows us that everyone already has their own internal mechanism (inner authority) that is here to guide their physical form and navigate decisions in daily life. It gives us an energetic blueprint that shows how we can start to use our body's intelligence.

Whenever we feel the need to make a personal decision (where to work, where to live, whom to connect with, whether to go on that trip, etc.), we are essentially running up against some kind of internal friction. Otherwise, we wouldn't have to decide, we would just follow what comes naturally in each moment.

Imagine having a blueprint of your life's purpose. A strategy and authority you can use to make decisions that would guide you to the correct people and experiences that bring you success, satisfaction, and peace?

If it sounds like a "too good to be true" pitch, it is. The catch is this:

1) It's simple - not easy.

Tuning into your body's emotions or intuition requires an immense amount of practice, patience, and self-observation. And having the courage to follow through on that knowledge is a whole other thing!

2) Human Design is one system

You can find all kinds of models and maps of the human psyche and biology that would provide other perspectives and help to build a more complete picture. However, in my opinion, Human Design is one of the most precise and comprehensive maps of humans as holistic beings (mind, body, and soul).

In essence, Human Design maps out everything from our strengths to our idiosyncracies, to our specific role within a group dynamic. It shows us what we bring to our interactions and how we can trust the body's intelligence to make decisions.

Self-study requires a clean mirror

In my experience, any great self-empowerment tool is simply a mirror. Whether it's a book, assessment, expert, retreat, or coach, the most powerful ones help us remember what and who we are.?They reflect back our natural strengths, deepest values, and most authentic desires; and all those thoughts and emotions that can get in the way of us connecting to them.

Professional coaching provides a mirror to see our stories and beliefs through questions and dialogue designed to keep the coach's ego out. It offers inspiration, insight, and accountability. It's a method for profound transformation in and of itself.

Human Design provides a mirror by mapping out our unique energetic design. It shows us the ways of being we can rely on because they operate consistently within us. We also have specific challenges unique to us, and our design gives us a lens into what these shadows are going to be from the moment we are born. Being able to see this on paper and connect it to our lives can be incredibly affirming. It empowers us to trust ourselves.

If you're looking for a place to learn more about either modality, there are two professional organizations that provide more information along with a list of certified professionals to work with.

Coaching: International Coaching Federation

Human Design: International Human Design School

Free Human Design Chart

Chase Ruzek is a Professional Certified Coach and Certified Living Your Design Guide who has worked with 200+ clients seeking fulfillment in work and life. He's passionate about helping creatives and open-minded intellectuals master their mind, build self-trust, and make a living doing what they love.