Agnes and I suggested that the same occurs when we move from one set of perspectives and practices to another domain when tackling a challenging set of issues, such as those facing Daniel when deciding on his future life course. There are three domains on which we wish to focus. These are the domains of information (where am I or where are we right now), intentions (where do I want to be or where do we want to be), and ideas (how do I or how do we get from where we are to where we want to be).
The domain of information is entered whenever we attempt to find out more about the current condition in which our coaching client finds herself. In seeking to identify this information, we act as researchers, asking questions that can be answered by a systematic collection of information. In understanding the current situation, we (individually or collectively) must seek information that is valid. This is not easy in a world filled with misinformation and alternative realities. We must also seek information that is useful. One of Dr. Freud’s coaching tasks, as a life coach, is to help Daniel identify a valid pathway to his future career and life.
Many realistic plans can be established, and problems can be solved through the systematic collection of valid and useful information. This lies at the heart of rational, linear planning and problem-solving. In other instances, unfortunately, effective planning and problem-solving cannot exclusively be based on information about the current situation. Many important decisions, particularly those involving people rather than numbers, center, at least in part, on conflicting goals, objectives, or desired outcomes. Attention must shift from the domain of information to that of intentions. This domain is likely to be particularly important in today’s environment, given that it is filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, turbulence and contradiction (VUCA-Plus) (Bergquist, 2025; Bergquist, 2026).
The domain of intentions is entered whenever we attempt to understand and clarify our personal mission, vision, values, or purposes. While research prevails in the area of information, clarification prevails in the area of intentions. Unlike traditional approaches to the clarification of intentions, which tend to emphasize enforcement or modeling, intention clarification focuses on the way in which mission, vision, values, and purposes come into being. This clarification is particularly important in a VUCA-Plus environment where one’s intentions are often conflicting.
As we personally become clearer about intentions, we will begin to produce career and life plans that are more and more consistent with these intentions. The process of clarifying intentions becomes richer and more profound as each of us moves toward greater maturity. A mature intention is freely chosen; it is not imposed (an imposed requirement is part of the situation). A mature statement of mission, vision, values, and purpose is prized and affirmed; this statement serves as a guiding charter for one’s life. It is repeatedly acted on in a consistent and persistent manner. A life planning coach, such as Dr. Freud, can play a major role in helping a client like Daniel create this charter.
