When we were kids, we had coaches for sports, music teachers to show us how to play instruments, and guidance counselors to help us get into college. How long has it been since you've had a coach?

Once we make it to adulthood and have careers, our tendency is to stop seeking coaches. To ask for help, or to seek input on career changes and significant life decisions somehow becomes taboo.

 

Perhaps we view it as a weakness to need someone else. Perhaps we have confidence in our own knowledge and see no reason to ask for help. Or, perhaps we've sought assistance that turned out to be poor advice and are gun shy.

Whatever the reason, it's time to rethink the value a coach can bring into your life.

Personal Experience With Coaching

I know from personal experience, working with Kary Oberbrunner, the impact a coach can have.

I participated in a group coaching cohort based on his book The Deeper Path and have remained connected with him since then.

My investment at the time? $500. That investment has come back to me ten-fold in a variety of ways. Investing in yourself is the best investment.

“A little
coaching, and the
greatest things
can happen”

For the first time in my life, I had clarity on where I was, where I wanted to go and how to get moving. I developed a personal value proposition that is now my 15-second elevator pitch whenever I meet someone. More importantly, it accurately describes who I am and who I am becoming.

And, It's also still evolving.

Bill McCartney, former coach of the University of Colorado at Boulder football team and the founder of Promise Keepers has said:

“All coaching is,
is taking a player
where he can't take himself”

 

That's been my experience with coaching.

Several excellent relationships resulted from that 10-week cohort. Our Mastermind members all have been through the Deeper Path coaching, and we draw on what we learned and have accomplished since to help each move each other progress on a weekly basis.

I wrote an eBook, Pitch Your Best!: Design Your Pitch to Open Doors, Gain Referrals, Obtain Offers of Assistance and Secure Investment (Check the sidebar). I'm nearing completion of a second eBook on outsourcing. 5 Key Activities Every Entrepreneur Should Outsource Right Now To Be More Successful.

“No one else
will take action
for you”

An in-depth book on pitching, based on my six years in a startup and eight years in the Angel capital and investing industry, should be done later this summer. Pitch With Purpose: What to Do Before During and After You Pitch to Maximize Your Opportunities.

I began going to conferences on my own time and at my own expense. At first, it was to help more effectively entrepreneurs who weren't particularly fundable.

It then became just as much about pursuing new opportunities as I learned at each conference.

I started a Podcast to investigate and explain how we can leverage our experiences and career to have an impact on the world around us. Episodes are being downloaded in several countries, and my guests are being heard on a global basis.

At the beginning of this year, I transitioned out of a job I loved to return to being an entrepreneur, to pursue opportunities I identified as a result of coaching. The coaching, ongoing impact of Kary Oberbrunner's leadership, and our Mastermind all combined to make me stronger.

While not without trepidation, I have the confidence to know I can pursue a calculated risk and come out on top no matter what.

None of these accomplishments would have happened if I had not engaged a coach and begun to apply what I learned.

 

Simple Questions

Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

• “Am I where I thought I would be today at this time last year? Five years ago?“
• “Am I feeling the need for change, but don't know how to get moving?“
• “Where do I want to be a year from now? How will I get there?“
• “Am I dissatisfied about where I find myself, even though I've worked like crazy to get here?“

If you're nodding your head at any of these questions, or they make you feel uneasy, welcome to the club. That was my response a few years ago.

Taking Action, Moving Forward

Pete Carroll, Coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has said: “Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.“

Ask around; do you have any associates or know anyone who has engaged with a coach? They could be your best source of information and possibly point you to a great coach.

One good place to start might be Kary Oberbrunner's online version of the Deeper Patch Coaching. It could result in significant life gains. A year from now, you might look back and say “I am where I planned to be at this time last year” and “I know where I am going.“

Perhaps Its Time

Perhaps it's time to make change happen for yourself. A coach is a good place to start. No one else will do it for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Sources: Jennifer Farnan on Unsplash ; Pete Carroll via Wikipedia.

Pete Carroll Quote, Brainy Quotes; Bill McCartney quote, also Brainy Quotes.

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