WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT, WITH A CLIENT?
There was this one client that I will never forget. We only worked together for maybe six months. Within that short span of time, her transformation was phenomenal. She regained control of her life. She learned to trust her own mind and heart. She left her abuser and dumped every toxic person in her life. I heard from her again about two months ago. She’s a volunteer now at a local women’s shelter. She is paying it forward, and I think she gave me as much as I hopefully gave to her. Gratifying, to say the least.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COACHING ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE TO DO WITH CLIENTS?
Reestablishing Communication exercises. In many relationships, it seems as if healthy communication is one of the first things to go. It’s a symptom of something deeper, and I’ve found that it’s also a gateway to reconciliation and healing. In one exercise, I ask the couple to stand six feet apart, and then tell each other something like, “I admire you because [___].” Then I tell them to take a step forward, and tell each other something else that’s positive (or sometimes fill in another blank like, “What could I help you with to make your life easier?”) Step forward again. Next, “Your best quality is [___].” It sounds simple, but it’s a rare couple who isn’t hugging/crying by the time they are nose-to-nose.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR FINDING CLIENTS AND/OR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?
Social media interaction and word-of-mouth. It’s inexpensive and can give you plenty of professional credibility if you do it right. It’s a slow process in the beginning, but it’s also totally organic, and growth can be exponential if you have patience and don’t give up on the process. The
other benefit is that it’s almost free, a big plus for me because I was totally broke when I started out.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU FIRST DREAMED OF BECOMING A COACH?
Develop a “life routine” and stick with it. I credit Mel Robbins’ book, “The 5-Second Rule” as my inspiration for this practice. Every day is a new opportunity. Set your alarm clock. Take care of any personal needs, then get to work. Make a list of “Five things I need to do today” (I call it a “TA-DA!” list) the night before, and start on those items first thing the next day. There’s a lot more to it, but doing something every single day builds momentum! Ride that wave all the way to that place you want to be.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE IN THIS WORLD?
I try to not think of the big picture. Results are slower and we need that constant feedback (no matter how small) in order to keep going forward. I do believe in the “Butterfly Effect” but I don’t get hung up on it. Any day that ends with a smile and the knowledge that I’ve done my best is a “good day” for me. I’ve done my part to “change the world.”
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH TRANSFORMATION COACHING MAGAZINE READERS?
Start each day with gratitude. Today you may meet someone who is having the worst day of their life. Speak to them with empathy and compassion. Remember why you chose the coaching path, and help if you can, according to your skills and gifts. When you speak, communicate with honesty and integrity. Then listen, with all of your heart, and remember that you both have as much to learn as you do to teach.
Finally, remember that you are here to serve, and not to save. You can give them the tools, but they must do the work that will lead them to their own Best Self.
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