It All Starts With You

In my experience working with people I have noticed that, though they have usually created a plan, many do not incorporate an understanding of themselves to execute it. Then there are time when we are introduced to a concept, or have an insight but we struggle to integrate it into our day to day life. This is what gets in the way of altering the way one thinks and subsequently, the choices made. My job is to help you not only developing a strategy around your goals, but to support and assist you in the process of working towards them. Success does not often come over night, and it can be beyond a challenge to keep the faith in ourselves and what we know deep inside.

For instance, I had a client who was about to start a new life on her own following the end of a long term relationship. She wanted to be a writer and eventually a book editor. Her goal was to produce a novel, and get a book deal. Within three years she wanted to get a job with a publishing house or start her own. A perfectly legitimate ambition, but what had she overlooked? She overlooked the fact that she had yet to develop the discipline to write daily or even weekly. While it is definitely good to know where you want to go, a flexible plan to get there is, at least, equally valuable. Her simple plan needed to include a strategy to address the challenges to achieving her goals. From this conclusion it was agreed upon that our coaching relationship would focus on supporting her in developing her writing skills, creating a business strategy, while confronting and resolving the personal issues that prevented her from remaining focused on her goals in her day to day life.

Then there are those who are highly motivated to achieve, but the obstacles faced threaten to overwhelm them. Sometimes because of the lack of a support system, or the habit of worrying is engrained, or even confusion about what the next (most productive) action should be. They come to me because they find themselves in a stressful or stagnate position. I have worked with several people who would fall into this category. In most of these cases I assisted them in developing strategies to address the most significant causes of stress related to the situation and implement solutions. Essential elements in this process is maintaining a focus on what is and is not within the clients control and efficiently managing those activities to advance their objectives.

Why not just turn to family and friends? The reasons differ from person to person. For some this simply is not an option. Another less dramatic reason is the need for someone who is not as close to the situation and able to see it objectively. A personal coach's only purpose in such a relationship is to work with you to achieve your goals. This is not necessarily true of friends and family who may have an investment (emotional or otherwise) in one path over another, this in not always a bad thing, but not what you need in a professional coaching relationship.

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This support system and product critique approach is also important in organizational reform or development. Transforming an organization requires working with individuals via interpersonal relationships towards identifying problems, developing strategic solutions that enhance those relationships based on mutual priorities, and implementing those solutions.

I was privileged to benefit from the experience of others and I realized how much such relationships could mean during times of confusion. This is especially true when our business or professional life is negatively impacted.

At one point I in my life I had the privilege of assisting women with children as they transition from homelessness. Out of those coaching relationships several entrepreneurs were born. Empowered to seize their destinies rather than merely being manipulated by the choices of those around them, I witnessed yet again how the relationship with oneself can heal a life. This is what inspired the free on-line coaching offer. It is a way for me to give back in a way that supports others in being their best, and it allows a group of motivated individuals who are curious about coaching to "check it out" with no risk and everything to gain. The way it works is this; every 60 days no more than eight individuals will be selected to participate in free on-line coaching sessions once a week and e-mail support. How will participants be chosen? Those of you interested, are invited to submit a brief e-mail explaining what you would want to accomplish in your sessions and what you see as the chief obstacle to doing so. You are also asked to include your answer to the following: How do you rate your commitment level, day to day, as that relates to achieving your goals?

It has been an honor to work with a number of talented, highly motivated and inspiring people. As we come to the end of this tête-à-tête, I encourage you to remain aware of the importance of relationships in reaching/staying on the top and the value in beginning with the one you have with yourself.

Yes, I'm ready to start NOW

© 2003 Madison Kovak