Carolina Business Coach Monthly Newsletter

"A year from now you will wish you had started today." Karen Lamb

Seven Ways To Have More Control Over Your Life.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve worked with over 100 men and women who wanted more out of their business and/or personal life. Most were introduced to me by a friend or business associate. They came to me with more than a little apprehension about the coaching "process".  Each client in one way or another felt that they were not quite grabbing the brass ring of life and success. We began exploring options together, with me guiding the process.  The forward movement and discovery that happens with coaching is something you may or may not figure out on your own.  But one thing is for sure: working with a certified trained coach makes things happen that much faster.  What have I learned from this:  No one needs to stay in a place of dissatisfaction.  We all have choices.  

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”                             William Jennings Bryan

Seven Ways To Have More Control Over Your Life.

1. Positive Self Esteem – Tough one to talk about.  Last week I was in an advanced communication development workshop with more than 200 coaches and consultants from around the country.  One of the speakers asked the room: "How many of you have clients with high self esteem?"  A few people raised their hands. The next question, ‘how many people have clients with low self esteem? Almost all 200 raised their hands. I know we’ve been taught there is a thin line between being braggadocios and knowing and communicating our strengths and our skills. When was the last time you had an honest conversation about self esteem? It’s NOT a subject we often discuss.  It’s an important issue, work on it. Read books on the topic, work with a coach.

2. Define Success – Specifically say, ”I would be successful if …... happened this year." Our definition of what we consider success changes over time. Define what you would consider success to be at this stage of your life and label it.

3. Create a vision – Create a vision of what you want your business and your life to look like. Everything begins with a vision. You can only get what you want by being able to declare what it is.

4. Share your vision – What are you waiting for? You can only create success at work when your employees understand what you expect from them. Ask your clients, "What would you consider a successful performance on the part of my team?"   You can only have a successful business partnership/ marriage when you and your partner have a clear understanding of what you both want.  

5. Give up the notion of being able to control others,   but do set expectations – You will never have control of another person, their actions of their lack of action. You can’t make someone else do anything they don’t want to, whether it is coming to work on time or giving up a vice.  Each of us is only accountable for his own behavior. You can prevent feeling powerless by communicating your expectations clearly to another person. Verbally or in writing.  Doing this will let you move forward, without being dragged down by someone else’s negativity or procrastination

6. How well do you communicate – You might think you are getting your point across but, based on results--how are you really doing?  Understanding your own behavioral/communication style can be key to more effective relationships and increased sales. More about this in the left-hand column of this newsletter

7. Professional & Personal Growth – Be bold; choose two proficiencies you wish to add to your life this year. Share it with someone who will positively support you in this accomplishment.

Ready for Success? Call or e-mail Harvey and see if coaching will assist you in making this your best year yet.

Copyright 2004 Carolina Business Coach. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included