There is a powerful projection exercise I take Out of the Box Self-Coaching Workbook clients through, teaching the importance of what others can reveal about our own personality. Hess touches on it in today’s quote.

If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us. — Hermann Hess

Hess certainly nails human nature down in this harsh truth.

OK, so “hate” is a strong word. If it makes you feel better, replace it with a reaction of annoyance, disgust, dislike, or a wanting to be somewhere else.

Think of three people who create this reaction in you. Be honest with yourself. Take the time to process feelings that arise, without judgment. Come up with at least one lesson each of these people can teach you about yourself.

Any insights?

By the end of 2007, Mary Bast and I put the final touches on our Out of the Box Self-Coaching Workbook. Now that I have the final copy, I’m very excited to tell you all about it!

If you’re not sure you need a coach, or don’t have the time or money right now to seek help, Out of the Box Self-Coaching Workbook is for you. Unlike the to-do lists some self-coaching books prescribe, this work is from the inside out, learning how to observe your patterns and loosen their hold over you in a surprisingly short period of time.

• Have you found yourself stuck trying to solve the same old problems over and over?
• Would you like to experience more joy in your life and in your work?
• Do you wish you had a compelling vision to bring the highest meaning to your life?
• Would you like to improve your relationships?

Chances are you’ve tried to ignore or overcome your pesky patterns of behavior and then been frustrated when they crept up on you again. That hasn’t worked because these patterns stem from a way of looking at the world that has filtered your experience, screened out new ways of thinking and kept you in a box. The best way to break out of this box is to observe your patterns with compassion and objectivity so you can try something different.

The examples and practices are in everyday language and with situations common to everyone. If you follow the workbook faithfully, your results will be equivalent to six weeks of coaching and you will permanently change patterns that have limited you from being all you can be.

The introductory price is a super low $19.99 US. Just click the button below and you’ll be able to download the workbook immediately.
And I promise — No psychobabble! Here’s an excerpt.