Believe in Miracles!

The miracle question is commonly used in solution-focused coaching to help individuals envision a desired future state or outcome. It is a way to shift the focus from the current problem or issue and encourage the individual to imagine how things would be different if the situation were miraculously solved.

Miracle Question Example

Client: "I want to be more confident."

Coach: "Suppose somehow, overnight, a miracle happened, and when you woke up, you noticed something was different. You felt more confident-you don't know why, but you feel more confident. What would your office mate notice when you walked towards your desk?"

Client: "I guess she would notice that I smiled more and was walking straighter."

Coach: "What else?"

Client: "I said hello to everyone and made eye contact."

The client is asked to suspend disbelief and imagine waking up one day to discover their problem has disappeared.

• What would their day look like if a miracle happened overnight and their lack of self-confidence was gone?

• What would they notice? Smile more

• What would others see? Make eye contact

The questions would continue as the client described how a day with confidence would unfold.

In what ways would they greet others differently or speak up in meetings? How would their life be different in this problem-free future?

The miracle question leapfrogs over the problem and brings visibility to goals, desires, and new behaviors. This process can provide motivation, hope, and a clearer direction for moving forward.

This is a powerful tool for helping individuals define their desired outcomes, explore possibilities, and identify the steps they can take to work toward their preferred future. It shifts the focus from the problem to the solution. It empowers individuals to envision and create positive change in their lives.