Amateur to Pro

Why does commitment have to be such a zero-sum game? Or does it? Regarding most behaviors, a little bit is better than nothing. The foundation of successful coaching is helping folks take one small step at a time. Small steps forward can be a powerful strategy for attaining seemingly daunting and impossible goals. But when it comes to commitment, taking small steps doesn’t do the job.

Across all my conversations with friends and clients, the phrase I hear most often these days is, “I’m exhausted.” This is a surprising statement on so many levels. Firstly, these are not folks who are working 80 hour weeks! Secondly, regardless of their age, they possess the means to travel, socialize, and enjoy their hobbies. So why are they exhausted?

Most of us believe that inspiration is an occasional occurrence. We hear someone’s heroic story, visit a new country, or watch an extraordinary athletic performance, and suddenly, we are inspired! But for how long? Not very… unless we take charge and embrace the concept of inspiration as a force that we can allow into our lives on a daily basis.

Last week’s article — 9 Insights That Changed Me Forever — garnered significant attention from folks in my coaching community. Many reached out with life changing insights of their own. When we slow down to reflect on where we were, or rather who we were, a decade ago, and who we are today, we can’t help but notice change.

I’m often asked to share these very personal insights. So, in no particular order, here are 9 that helped me change my personality and consequently my life.

The antithesis of Good Enough Parenting is Perfectionist Parenting and it rests on the foundation of the belief that we need to optimize every aspect of our children’s lives. But the consequences of raising our children as our projects are now evident to so many of us.

Being a serious person is not about putting on a performance of seriousness, but rather a way of thoughtful and deliberate living. It's the art of being fully present and conscious of our actions, creating systems that keep us alert, awake, and attentive.

I put it to you that every effort we make at communicating stems from one of two mindsets. We are either aiming for connection or for control. How do you identify?

You see, beliefs are simply thoughts that we have practiced over and over again until they appear to us as facts. When we are able to see the difference between facts and beliefs, we realize how much more powerful we are than we imagined.

I’m often asked what I do in a coaching session that is so valuable. I’m also asked to share my “framework” and “curriculum.” The simple answer I give is, “We talk and your life changes.”