The Thinking Dimension
Shifting Perspectives: Exploring the Thinking Dimension of the Inner Development Goals
Have you ever found yourself caught in a loop of overthinking, unsure of your next step?
And what is “success” for you?
Earlier this year, Ondine Delavelle explored how Needs-Based Coaching connects with the Inner Development Goals (IDGs). Ondine is an alumna and a member of the faculty, involved in the first German-speaking NBC Foundations, and currently undertaking the Facilitators’ training program. Her first post specifically focused on the Being dimension and how self-awareness and presence can support our growth (read the post here). Today, she would like to take you into the Thinking dimension of the IDG framework.
Needs-Based Coaching offers practical ways to work with the Inner Development Goals toward a peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future that our hearts know is possible and that we all hope for. It enables us to be present, free from past conditioning of staying small or insignificant. It takes us toward bravely following our heart’s calling and finding our contribution in the big scheme of things. Here is Ondine’s words:
From Overthinking to Expanding Perspectives
Like many, I sometimes get stuck in my head — analysing, interpreting, and overthinking. The IDG Thinking dimension invites us to develop a richer set of cognitive skills that help us navigate complexity and recognize new possibilities.
In a recent coaching session, I found myself wrestling with questions about my next steps as a self-employed coach and trainer:
Can I do this alone?
Should I look for a mentor or business coach?
I wished to find balance between my analytical mind and my intuition, and my coach guided me through a process that, as I understood in hindsight, activated several key skills from the Thinking dimension of the IDG framework:
· Critical Thinking & Sense-Making: We challenged my assumptions about what “success” should look like.
Complexity Awareness: We recognized that there isn’t one single answer — success can take many forms.
Perspective Skills: Together, we explored multiple definitions of success: recognition, joy, values alignment, financial freedom, balance, or even a purely material focus – without ethical and values consideration. Recognizing that all these can mean success for different people gave me more space: I felt empowered, having a choice and being in charge.
Long-Term Orientation & Visioning: We discussed what kind of success would feel meaningful and sustainable for me over time.
This reflective process illustrates that the Thinking dimension isn’t just about analysis — it’s about expanding the ways we see ourselves and our options. As the receiving client, I left the session with a renewed sense of spaciousness and inspiration, having replaced worry.
Practicing the Thinking Dimension Through Coaching
As coaches, we help our clients develop these same skills. By inviting them to question assumptions, consider new perspectives, and make sense of complexity, we support their journey
Every coaching conversation is an opportunity to practice the Thinking dimension — both for our clients and for ourselves.
I haven’t yet dared to try out the definition of success as purely material, without considering its ethical implications. This might be something to try — to gain new perspectives on the behaviours of people I tend to judge as selfish and unethical.
Which definition of success resonates with you right now? Is there a new perspective you feel inspired to explore? From my brainstorm, I touched on:
· To work hard, long hours and get recognition
· To work without even noticing, so much joy in the work
from feeling stuck to finding clarity and direction.
· To make a living as a dancer
· To have enough money to pay my bills with ease and have enough left for extras
· To have impact, to be an integer and act in line with one’s values, even if one’s health or family are cared less for
· To find a balance between meaningful work and rest, regeneration, and fun.
I invite you to reflect, experiment, and share your thoughts. Through coaching, we are not just supporting our clients solve their problems — we are actively practicing and strengthening the Thinking dimension of the Inner Development Goals.