North Columbus News

Many years ago, during a coaching training session, Marilou Butcher Roth found herself in an uncomfortable position of not knowing. This uncertainty was not linked to any specific topic but was rather a broader perspective that left her feeling unclear. During the training, where participants were learning coaching skills and self-awareness, she managed to shift from discomfort to a sense of possibility.

Roth explains that she realized it wasn't necessary to have all the answers and that she could relax into the process of letting things unfold naturally. "Ah, much nicer!" she notes.

This experience has stayed with her over time, allowing her uncertainties to develop without causing distress or a need for control. The key to this change was curiosity. By asking clear and genuine questions, Roth found it easier to coexist with the uncertainty.

She reflects on how this new understanding can feel more open and less worrisome. Although she hasn't arrived at any definitive answers yet, acknowledging areas of unknowingness seems less impactful than before—a sign of progress for her.

Roth encourages others experiencing their own "I don't know" moments to introduce curiosity into those spaces by asking themselves questions that foster exploration. She emphasizes that it's okay not to have all the answers immediately.

Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, which focuses on coaching and training primarily for REALTORS seeking inspiration in their work and lives. She also serves as Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati and is involved with Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors.