Amateur to Pro

“How can I support you?” is one of my favorite questions to ask at the start of a coaching conversation. What I’m really asking is, “What is your support language?” So much has been written about our Love Languages and most people are familiar with their Primary Love Language. Gary Chapman has identified five in his book, and perhaps there are more. But what about Support Languages?

Many times, we scare ourselves before even starting, causing us to never begin. And that’s why, so often, simply to begin is to win. But what happens when we do begin and then realize we had forgotten how hard the effort actually was? I did finish the Borken Arrow Skyrace I wrote about last week. But perhaps due to a measure of Ignorance and Arrogance (I+A). Here are my thoughts in retrospect and...

I’m obsessed with beginnings. Beginnings carry what I like to think of as “Pilgrim Energy”! I’m talking about that effortless stream of vital energy we experience at the dawn of a desire. Think of the beginnings of falling in love, starting a business, or committing to a big mission.

Efficiency and effectiveness are not the same. Understanding the distinction between these two words makes all the difference if our goal is to create more impact with our time, not just check off boxes on our “To Do” list.

Coaching is… NOT a hobby. It is a profession (and a sacred one at that). Casually using the title of "Coach" alongside another profession (so fashionable these days on every social platform!) is not the way to becoming a Professional Coach and certification alone doesn’t turn you into one or guarantee stellar results.

I frequently use the word extraordinary to describe my clients. Yesterday, while running on the trails, it occurred to me that using this adjective to describe people who are creating noticeable change and transformation in their lives, may be misleading to others who want to do the same.

When you were in your 20’s, did you ever think about how you would like to be remembered? The answer from most of us is a hell no! Last week, I asked this question of G. — a 24 year old young adult client who has been coaching with me for a couple of years.

28 things you can control. I’m not suggesting you do or don’t do any of these things — I’m just saying… You’ve got control. Do not fool yourself into believing that you don’t!

Spring is the season of possibility and potential, a time to plant intentional seeds for the future harvest. Let your mixed emotions guide you towards purposeful choices and thoughtful commitments.

In last week’s blog, I asked but did not answer the question Professional Coaches are often asked: What’s the difference between Coaching and Therapy? Experience has proven to me that there’s no quick and easy answer to this question. I cover the 6 insights I’ve gained in the last decade in today’s journal entry — Coaching vs. Therapy: The Long Answer.

When I first started coaching, I used to share easy answers. One of those answers was the response to the question Life Coaches are asked often. What’s the difference between Coaching and Therapy? My easy answer was, “Therapy is about exploring your past whereas coaching is about creating your future.” Today, I no longer give a short answer to this question.

Quite accidentally, yesterday morning I found a written reflection of mine from many years ago in response to the following question: Where have I left? And where am I arriving?

Last week, Gabriel — a young adult client I work with reached out to me with the following question: “When new changes arise and abundance blooms, my upper limit hits the ceiling! I see it in every aspect of my life. What's your advice for re-calibrating and centering one’s focus?”

Parenting is the hardest job in the world, but why do we insist on striving for perfection when "Good Enough" is an achievement in itself?

If I could go back 20 years in time and coach, really coach, my 30-ish self, she would:

One of the most valuable relationships in my life is with the women in my private coaching group, The Wisdom Circle. While we are fiercely supportive of each other, our primary commitment is to the whole-hearted expansion and growth of one another. That’s why our first agreement is called — “No Frapping”. No Frapping is a powerful agreement you can use to elevate any relationship that matters to y...

What was the last impactful decision you made? How did you go about making it? Do you want to make better decisions? The first step is to become aware of your default decision making process.

Last week, as I passed a park bench, I noticed four women who were clearly in their eighties, huddled together, chatting, laughing and genuinely having a great time. Here is an abbreviated list of my thoughts as I passed them each time...

Last week in The Wisdom Circle, my private coaching group of extraordinary women, we explored joy. So many of us confuse joy with happiness. Let me explain.

Transformational Coaching takes skill, creativity and commitment. But more than anything else, it takes time. Can one conversation be full of insights and deeply valuable? Can it be unforgettable and impactful? Absolutely. But, when done right, this is life-changing work. And anything worthy takes time. That’s just a fact of life.

While we are learning how to slow down and live more consciously, our default tendency is to be future focused. We are a generation known for its relentless pursuit of “The Next Best Thing” — no one more than I and the extraordinary people I work with!

It’s a new year, but it won’t be a new life unless we make it so. So in 2023, what’s your plan for loving just a little bit more unconditionally, learning just a little bit more deeply, and feeling just a little bit more at ease?

When did ambition become a four letter word? Think of the last time you used the word “ambitious” to describe yourself or another person. Was it in an entirely positive context? Did it sound a little cringy even when it was meant to be a compliment?

If you’ve been a part of my coaching community for any amount of time, you're likely sick of me repeating the message of “slowing down”! I’m not asking you to slow down your desires, goals and ambitions. I’m asking you to slow down your thinking and actions so you can increase your consciousness, presence and ultimately, your results. In today’s podcast episode I talk about 5 powerful ways you can...