Cornerstone Coaching

Last evening, discussion in a class I’m facilitating centered around our work lives (paid or volunteer).  I told a story about a young man whose parents were determined he would be a dentist.  He dutifully went through all the required years of training and eventually built a successful practice.  The business supported his family well.  But somewhere in midlife he realized he wasn’t happy. After some soul searching he realized he longed to work outdoors.  His  weekend passion was designing his yard and gardens and helping friends do the same.  With encouragement from his wife he took one class in landscape architecture, then another.  Over several years he finished his degree.  Bit by bit he reduced his dental practice and build his landscaping buisness which also became successful..and personally rewarding.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

It takes a lot of courage to switch career paths, especially if you are doing well. While some can make the transition, many people get stuck by success.  The challenge in midlife is to find work that fits who we have become.

CHALLENGE:  Take a half hour sometime in the next week to reflect on how well your work life ‘fits’ who you are today. Write out the following questions followed by your answers.  What elements of my work do I really enjoy?  What would I like more of and how could I make that happen?  Working with a coach is, of course, one way to get unstuck.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

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One of the topics we discussed in my Too Young to Retire group last night was thinking about a new positive word or phrase to replace the “R” word (retirement).  The dictionary defines retirement as “withdrawing, going to bed, going out of circulation.”   We’re about seeing all the possibilities that lie ahead.  And words are important!  How we talk about these years affects our expectations. So here are some suggestions: Rewirement, Third Age, Next Chapter, Refirement, Renaissance, Prime Time, Sage-ing.  What positive word or phrase would you nominate?

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Yesterday is ashes; tomorrow is wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly.  –Eskimo proverb

I spent the last five days visiting four relatives, the youngest of whom is 80 years old. And I learned something from each of them.  Who are your role models for aging well?  I’m collecting stories and would love to hear yours.  Share yours here…OR

You can tell me directly if you join my interactive free teleclass on Wednesday, June 16^th at 12 noon Central/1 p.m. Eastern. I am again offering the popular topic: “I’m Not Who I Was; Living on Purpose in MidLife & Beyond.” I’ll be sharing strategies that have helped my coaching clients re-balance their lives and direct their energy toward creating a satisfying second half of life.  Visit http://www.cornerstonecoaching.net/events  to register and receive the call-in number and pin. Your only cost is the phone call.  Please share this information with others who might be interested.

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I  have been biking the last few weeks, not only because I enjoy it but also to make sure I can keep up with my parents when I visit this week.  You heard me.  My mom and dad are 80 years old but they bike 20-30 miles several times a week.    They are the only cyclists in their senior apartment building.

It’s wonderful to have such great role models. They retired in their mid-50s and decided to live simply and pursue their interests.  After six years full time on the road touring the U.S. in an RV they re-settled in Michigan.  Mom’s passion is quilting and she and a friend make and donate hundreds of quilts to homless shelters.  Dad records books for the blind for the State Library as requests come in.  Best of all their sense of humor is intact and they keep learning.  Mom got her first computer this year and even joined Facebook.

Is there a senior who inspires you?  I’m collecting stories of ageless adventurers and would love to hear yours.   I am leading a class in Bayfield later this month called: Too Young to Retire.  If this sounds interesting, check out the details http://www.cornerstonecoaching.net/events and consider joining us.

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                   Write you goals in concrete, and your plans in sand. - Anonymous

We have all been faced with big decisions. Should I take this opportunity or wait for something better? I am drawn to this, but is it worth the risk?

I talked to a friend last week who recently resigned from her 20-year career. She decided not to wait three more years until ‘retirement’ but to take the leap now and do what she has wanted to do for some time; to use her talents to freelance from home. She acknowledged the risks, but they were overshadowed by her excitement and the big grin on her face.

My friend’s situation reminds me of a favorite quote from Abraham-Hicks. “Make a decision and then make the decision right. Line up your Energy with it…There are endless options that would serve you enormously well, and all or any one of them is better than no decision.”

Is there a decision you are waiting to make? Or perhaps you have an example of making a decision then ‘making it right.’ Share your insights with me and others here on my blog.

COMING THIS MONTH:

Get inspiration, insight and support for what’s next in your life in my new Coaching Circle! Registration is open until this Friday, June 4th for up to eight women to participate in this five-month group coaching program. We meet by teleconference so you can join from anywhere by phone. Learn about the details and/or share this opportunity with a friend or colleague http://www.cornerstonecoaching.net/events. Let me know if you have questions.

My free teleclass this month is Wednesday, June 16th at 12 noon Central/1 p.m. Eastern. I’ll repeat the popular topic, “I’m Not Who I Was; Living on Purpose in MidLife and Beyond. The only cost is the phone call. Click here http://notwhoiwas.eventbrite.com to register and receive the call-in number and pin.

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There is a wonderful, old apple tree outside my window and it’s not quite blooming.  All the potential is there, not only to bloom but to eventually produce fruit. It’s waiting for the right time and some coaxing from the sun.

Perhaps you know someone who, like the apple tree, is full of potential but is resisting the necessary steps to fully bloom.  Anais Nin’s speaks to this dilemma, “And the day came when the risk it took to remain in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” 

I worked with a client recently who was desperate to re-gain work/life balance.  The stress and expected overtime of her job were taking a toll on her health.  She was tired of feeling trapped. Together we explored the life she wanted to create and along the way options began to open up.  I just received a joyful email announcing she has a new position that not only uses her skills but has regular hours and a shorter commute. I felt like she blossomed right before my eyes. 

I want to support more individuals to design a life that ‘fits’ who they have become. So, today I’m announcing The Amazing Woman Coaching Circle, a 5-month group coaching program for up to 8 women that will begin in June.  We will meet by teleconference so we can connect from wherever you are.  Those who register in the next week, will receive a discount and a bonus.  Read more about the program here.  Please also pass along this opportunity to a colleague or friend who might be interested.    Here’s to spring!

p.s. Even if you aren’t a candidate for the Coaching Circle I would value your feedback on the program!

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People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing–that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar

Imagine it’s Monday morning and you have promised yourself that this week is going to be different. You have a goal; perhaps it’s to start exercising, to look for a different job, or to start tracking your expenses.

No matter what you want to accomplish, it’s helpful to know what motivates you. What is going to help you make the choices that will lead to success?

Some of us are motivated by deadlines. It might be the date of an important event or a deadline we set for ourselves. Telling at least one other person about your goal and timeline will help. Others are inspired by their vision for the future. They can imagine what it will be like when they are successful. Creating a vision board or book with visual reminders of what success will look like can keep the vision alive. Competition can also be a motivator for some. Whether you are going for a prize or simply to top your own record if you have the competitive gene it can carry you from goal to goal.

CHALLENGE: Take a few minutes to consider what motivates you. It may be one of the above or something entirely different.  I invite you to share your thoughts here. The next time you set a goal for yourself you can start brainstorming around what works for you — and ways to support your success!

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