I recently met with the incredibly insightful and intuitive Anna Gannon who said something that stopped me in my tracks: I’m taking energy from my clients and not returning it. This phrase really stuck with me and I’ve been sitting with it ever since.
So what does this mean?
You know that friend of yours who is so amazing, talented, brilliant- but doesn’t quite see it? You watch them claw through limiting beliefs, stuck in a loop. You can see their potential so clearly and just wish they could see it too.
It’s tough to witness, right? Do you feel a tightness in your body? Or maybe an excitement growing in you that they don’t seem to match? Some call it being an empath, or maybe just being an optimist. Either way, it’s a gift—if you can use it without draining yourself or them.
If you find yourself often seeing endless possibilities in yourself and those around you, you may be what the CliftonStrengths® assessment describes as Futuristic.
According to Gallup, “People with strong Futuristic talents love to peer over the horizon. They are fascinated by the future. They anticipate and imagine in detail what tomorrow could or should be… This vision energizes themselves and others.”
Those of us who are futuristic see what could be and feel it deeply. We often visualize big possibilities for those around us which can almost feel like seeing into the future. Whether it’s faith, intuition, or simply based on what we know about them, we can feel so certain of what’s possible. For me it shows up in my body—sometimes in the back of my eyes (weird, I know) or as a swelling in my chest. It’s an ache of love and hope for what could be if my clients believe it’s possible.
It doesn’t happen every session, or when clients are in deep pain. In those moments, I’m calm and grounded, like a boulder they can lean on. But when this feeling does come up, it’s powerful. Even overwhelming at times. I have to consciously stay present so I don’t get too swept up in it.
Despite our best intentions and enthusiasm, we want to be clear that we’re not pulling energy and focus away from the person who needs it.
The most beautiful vision is only helpful if the person in front of us
can see it too.
The key is—through meditation and breath work—to stay grounded. It’s important that I share my belief in my clients, but if my vision doesn’t resonate with where they are now, it can actually create a disconnect. At the same time, if I walk away carrying all the excitement about your future, I might have unintentionally taken something you need in order to actually get there.
Providing space for others to come to their own conclusions can help lead them to their own path.
This is why self-regulation is at the center of personal development work. Whether it’s in parenting leadership, or coaching, my job is to show up clear and present, witness your own swell of belief building, and walk beside you—not ahead of you.
