As we close in on another year there’s the usual chatter around finding our purpose, passion and unleashing our power. I shared a blog about purpose around this time last year and how it can propel us into action. We seem to like action, especially if we are the high achievers, the movers and shakers, the change agents. And each year we want to take what we’ve got and stretch it further. This is what so many coaching clients are seeking – the elements that will bring them closer to their glorious goals.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential…”

In my own coaching sessions, it recently came up that my purpose and passion have been getting a lot of attention, fueling my personal and professional power (that’s a lot of P’s). I realized that there was another part of me, another P, that was waiting to be invited in – my potential. This got me thinking – what is the relationship between potential and these other popular P’s? How do I fill my potential if I’m not sure what it is? What if my full potential scares the crap out of me?

Fear and doubt keep potential at a distance, behind the glass. Dare we break through? Dare we not?

My current coach asked me – When you give Ms. Potential the microphone, what does she have to say? I had to really listen… Ms. Potential says – “Karen, there are no limits, no walls, just open space waiting for us to explore. We can do this together. I’ve been waiting to come to your party for a looonng time. I love and respect our sisters Purpose, Passion and Power just like you do, but I’m ready to step up in contributing to your growth and development.”

Wow. She sounds great doesn’t she? We talk so much about “taking things to the next level”, “bringing our work to scale”. Coaching is a mechanism to help with this, yet it requires some deeper exploration about what we care most about, what lights our fire, and who we are becoming.

It’s that last part – the who we are becoming – that speaks to our potential. Unlocking who we are at our core leads the way on this transformational journey. It is transformational because we will never be who we are right now again. Each moment that goes by shapes our being. Recognizing our purpose and passion brings each version of our being to life. Our potential is a sum of all of it, in the most infinite sense. We never reach it. It never completely defines us. We are never done.

Ms. Potential said no limits, no walls, just open space… I believe her. That’s one powerful party.