By Portia Nelson
Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost...
I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in... it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter 5
I walk down another street.
Resonance of the Poem
Portia Nelson’s poem captures the profound journey of self-awareness and growth. Each chapter represents a stage in the cycle of change: unawareness, recognition, ownership, adjustment, and transformation. It’s a vivid metaphor for life’s challenges, habits, and our power to choose a new path.
In coaching, this poem resonates deeply; like the protagonist of the poem, clients often find themselves falling into the same “deep holes,” repeating patterns of behavior that no longer serve them. Coaching offers a safe, supportive space to recognize these patterns, take ownership, and chart a new course. It’s about empowering clients to move from walking down the same street to confidently choosing another one.
Call to Action
If this poem stirs something in you, and you recognize a pattern that’s keeping you stuck, let’s talk. Coaching can help you to identify the deep holes in your life’s sidewalk and equip you with the tools to walk a different path. It’s time to choose your Chapter 5.
Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth Hall Getting It Done Coaching. Together, let’s turn your challenges into opportunities for growth.