Let’s face it, sometimes life is just not that exciting. Sometimes our responsibilities seem like daunting chores, which causes us to procrastinate or not put our best foot forward. Even when we want something really badly, it’s always nice to have someone who supports us and cheers us on. So often, we just don’t have anyone standing on the sidelines saying “Go You!”
Yes, a life coach does act somewhat as a personal cheerleader. He or she supports you when you are trying to accomplish your goals and celebrates your successes with you. But most importantly, a coach shows you how you can be your own personal cheerleader.
I think back on the “dark” days when I was merely a dog poop picker-upper and remember how I never told myself “Just look at what you have accomplished! Great job, keep it up!” True, I wasn’t totally excited about what I was doing, but I also was not in the habit of acknowledging myself for my achievements. I wasn’t just a dog poop picker-upper after all, I was a successful small business owner with satisfied customers who referred my service to their friends and family. I was a successful marketer who had made my business a well-known, highly reputable service. And I did it by working hard, setting goals and not giving up when times got rough. But man, was it a struggle! And I got burnt out very quickly, because no one helped me learn how to streamline my systems and remind me to take care of myself. No one taught me how to be my own best ally, to lift myself up when I was feeling down. I always discounted my own successes…”Oh, it’s nothing”. I actually felt I didn’t deserve the good things in my life.
OH MY, HOW THINGS CAN CHANGE!!! I am where I need to be right now…in my element…able to not only enthuse others in a calm, quiet way that is long-lasting, but I can also cheer myself on. Sure, I have a lot of work to do, but that is what life is all about!
As humans, we are never-ending novels. As one chapter comes to a close, another begins. Our stories contain humor, intrigue, suspense, and sometimes even tragedy. That is what makes life so exciting – there are always battles to win and new territories to conquer. We deal with people who are delightful gentlemen and some who are royal pains in the rear. Somehow, no matter what we face, we keep on truckin’ – but isn’t it more enjoyable when someone is honking at you from the car in the next lane?
