Green Shoots

On the Move

2011-08-02T20:34:00.000+01:00

Regular readers will know I've been on a long journey and actually feel a little bit like I'm getting somewhere. Life has become a little busy hence I have had trouble finding time to post as often.

I'm at the point where I am getting to where I want to be. I have a new motivational blog out there, that puts me in the public domain. There are specific reasons that I do not want this blog to go public, so I can not link my new log here. Anyone that has been following me, I will drop by and let you know my new location.

I know I have a few loyal followers out there who are anonymous or follow by automated feeds. I'm afraid if you want to find me you'll need to send me your details through and I'll contact you individually. I will switch moderation on so your contact details won't be published.

I'd like to thank you all for your support, its been quite a journey so far and your comments have been invaluable. I hope you're able to join me for the rest of the journey.

Snowdrop

Event Organising

2011-07-03T07:00:00.008+01:00

Well its all systems go. My new associate and I have been working hard to get our ladies fashion event off the ground. We hoped for a minimum of 30 people. Its exceeded all our expectations as we have sold all the tickets and have filled the venue.

We're both very excited - its all going to happen next week, but most importantly - its shows there's life after working for a big institution.

Still not moving

2011-06-26T11:26:00.000+01:00

Some weeks, well months ago, I was told my job was moving to a location with an hour and a half commute each way. You may recall I wasn't exactly happy about it at the time. More hours travelling would leave less time for Green shoots. A project I'd started to build my own part time life coaching business, - I hit the change curve full on.

We're four months on and I've still not changed location. In some respects it puts me a little bit in limbo. Not quite knowing where I'm going to be makes it a little difficult to putting any coaching roots down.

But I'm pressing on. I'm starting to get business cards into other businesses and today I'm going to design some fliers.

I've been approached by someone to get involved in some event organisation. We're putting together a fashion gig so I'm hoping to meet lots of new ladies and it might even bring in a little cash.

Fingers crossed.

SELF DOUBT

2011-06-19T07:00:00.007+01:00

We all face challenges in life and in order to succeed and live a fulfilling and happy life, self doubt is one of the biggest challenges we have to overcome. It comes up frequently when I am coaching.

We have both good and bad experiences, however it is common for us to connect those experiences which can support our beliefs about ourselves.

Somehow, our minds tend to engage in self-analysis. (Not bad coming from an analyst by trade) this can lead to all sorts of problems as we travel through life, setting us up not to succeed.

It occurs in all sorts of circumstances, we could be making our way in a career, engaging in relationships with others, and many other scenarios.

Of course, each new transaction with someone else presents exciting new opportunities. Each one unique and unconnected. Yet we still expect to fail. Because we failed previously. Yet still these events are unconnected.

So remember next time an opportunity presents itself that this is the first time. You do not have a history of failure and there are no reasons why you shouldn't succeed.

Remember the expression:

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift which is why it is called the present" - unknown

and get stuck in - thousands of people are succeeding everyday, why shouldn't you?

What's your tonic?

2011-06-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

If you're reading my blog - there is a good chance that you know I've trained in coaching and have an interest in Health.

I'm bringing these 2 elements together as part of my plan. I want to help people who currently struggle to get their heads around this whole diet/exercise merry-go-round on which so many of us spend so much time.

I truly believe that what is good for the body only help the mind and visa-versa and having come back from a week's walking in I can only once again re-reinforce that feeling of a real high that I get from walking, particularly in the Lakes, walking 45 miles in a week and getting above 800m in height 3 days out of 7. That might seem a bit extreme for some, although we can all find our own ways to get these little tonics in life.

How do you get yours?

Over the Moon

2011-06-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

My last two posts have seemed to be a little bit of a moan. So I'd like to focus on what's going well at the moment.

Firstly Hubby has been putting some effort in on the groundwork to his photographic business. He's had some really good publicity lately and sold 4-5 prints yesterday.

My coaching website is up and running and looks great. The feedback has been brilliant. I'm sorry I can't share this with you due to the anonymous nature of my blog.

Despite my boss telling me my job was moving in April, I'm still here - at least for the time being.

I've started a new sideline. The coaching business will take a while to establish and if I take redundancy I will need a quicker source of income and quite frankly I don't want to go straight back into employment. I've decided to cater for our furry friends and make home made dog biscuits. Its a sideline that I can manage a day a week and it won't interfere in building up my coaching business. I've already sold some on Ebay AND had an enquiry from a pet shop so it seems I'm in business.

I joined a local coaching circle, so i can have a good catch up with some fellow coaches on a regular basis.

I've joined a local therapists group. They meet by monthly and have charity events which will be a great way for me to network.

I've sorted my action plans. To be frank my office was a bit of a mess and I've tackled it and all outstanding items are firmly embedded in Excel.

I feel fab!

Envy in Coaching Part 2

2011-05-29T08:00:00.009+01:00

Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has.

So back in December I lost a friend because she can't handle some business competition. Its a sad loss and I also lost my coach. Its May now and I've started to accept it. I see her at the gym and we exchange the normal pleasantries, and then when I was least expecting it, during an appointment with my beautician, she tells me that my business cards have gone missing and being replaced my another coaches' business cards. When I looked they were the cards of my coach. We're not sure whether they were swapped by my coach or her beautician as a favour and I can't prove anything, but I have my suspicions and I am learning to trust my instincts.

It has made me angry and I am feeling emotions that I don't want to feel.

I've not removed her cards. I wouldn't stoop to that level. I want to confront her, but not only do I have no proof, I am concerned this will just escalate the situation.

It has of course made me all the more determined to succeed.

Envy in Coaching

2011-05-22T21:45:00.000+01:00

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings

instead of your own

Some time ago, I mentioned my own Coach. Most coaches have their own coach. Mine was a catalyst in me making the decision to set up a coaching practice. I couldn't have praised her high enough at the time.

Yet, she very suddenly lost interest in me when I undertook my coaching training. She started cancelling lunch dates and paranoia kicked in. Hubby tried to convince me there was nothing in it.

After a string of broken lunch meetings, I took what I would consider the cowards approach. I wanted the conversation to be face to face but this was proving impossible. SO I sent her a very nicely worded email. Her reply confirmed my worst fears. We live in a small town and she didn't like the idea of a coach setting up along side her.

I found this a bit hard to swallow. I've found that every other coach that I have come across has wanted to help/support and share. I'd got visions of joint projects and specialism referrals particularly as she is NLP trained and I am not.

It is of course her choice to do so and I have accepted it. I believe she is very insecure. Strangely I envy her position in that she is ahead of me in setting up her business, and has not had to pay for her own coach training. Perhaps I value my training more because I have funded it.

This all took place in December and I accepted it until now.....

Achievement in a Year

2011-05-15T21:41:00.001+01:00

Realising that my blog is now well over 12 months old has made me think back about what I've been up to in the last year.

Here goes:

I turned 40.
I made the decision to become a life coach
I found a great coaching course
I passed a live assessment
I made a great new friend
I've launched a holding page for my email
I've registered my business with the tax man
I've dealt with 3 challenging individuals
I've blogged on average twice a week for a year
I've chosen a business name
I've read books!

And I'm about to launch my Coaching website - wow - what a 12 months its been.

New Website

2011-05-08T21:45:00.000+01:00

Once again I find myself having to apologise for being a bit neglectful of my blog. Its not that I'm bored of it, its just that I'm having to do so much else.

The good news is that I know have web pages written and ready to go to support my new coaching practice. I just need to pass them onto my talented husband who will turn them into a website.

D Day

2011-04-14T21:59:00.000+01:00

If you've read my recent posts you'll know that I'm working towards a date by which my 3 month trial of a 3 hour daily commute will end. That date is the 5th July. I'm going to call it D-day.

The date when I start my 3 month trial has not been agreed. For those mathematics or analysts amongst you, the sums don't add up, as my trial gets shorter and shorter.

Latest news is that the trial is likely to start towards the end of May, leaving me about 7 weeks to commute. Woohoo!

Time Flies By - 12 weeks and counting.

2011-04-11T22:01:00.000+01:00

Aside from the fact that the phrase "Time Flies By" makes me want to continue with the lyrics "when you're the driver of a train and you sit on the footplate their and back again....."

Those from a certain age will recall the watch with mother TV program called Chigley - if not please google it - it's children's entertainment in its prime. The Train Song

Chigley is just a distraction.

I'm posting to update you that having being told about my job moving location about 3 weeks ago, when i was told it would be from the beginning of April I'm still waiting to find out when exactly it will go.

This is good news for me. I have the option to go on a 3 month trial. I'm doing the trial because I don't want to leave work (if I leave) until October. Today marks the earliest date by which I need to start the trial. Everyday that passes means one less day that I have to work in the alternate location.

WooHoo!

Tough Day at the Office

2011-04-06T22:08:00.000+01:00

Phew. There are tough days and there are TOUGH days. And today was TOUGH. TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH!!!

The analysis that I am doing and the report that I am creating has caused enough problems in itself. But I find it hard to believe that in itself it was enough to drive me to the utter frustration that I was feeling and to open up the emotions that were opened.

The only conclusion I am left with is that when the news was broken to me about my job moving location and I dealt with it so well. So well, that many colleagues and managers have commented on how I have dealt with it. And I seemed to leap through the change curve from shock to acceptance - I think I am now revisiting the bits I have missed and right now am suffering from the depression stage.

So there is really nothing left to do but dust myself off and go back tomorrow and tackle it head on. Safe in the knowledge that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Making Sense of Things

2011-03-31T22:23:00.000+01:00

Two weeks have flown by since I was told my job is moving 32 miles away. I guess for many people 32 miles will seem like nothing. For me it means losing 3 hours a day so I can travel to work. Only a third of that journey is by train.

Each way the journey is 30 mins in the car, 30 on the train (not really enough time to snooze) and 1 20 minute walk.

So the positives are - more exercise, some reading time.
The downsides, less time at home, in bed, at the gym, walking my dog.

In fact my whole work life balance will be out of kilter.

I have taken stock though. The alternative looks OK. There is an offer to work a three month trial - which I'm going to do. It has longer term financial benefits for me which I'm not going into here.

I then, can go back to my original office in my home town and look for other jobs. There is a chance I will find something suitable, right grade, money, skills and hours and if so great.

If not, then I get paid severance

, leave after 22 years and start my new career. Really get into my business and go for it.

Its very scary and exciting all in one.

Its all a matter of timing

2011-03-16T20:49:00.000Z

Sometimes you think you have all the answers. For the last ten years I've said to myself (and publicly to others that if my company made redundancies I'd be the first in the queue waiting fro my cheque.

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy working for my company or my job, just simply that with a number of years service behind me, experience in two very different roles, a cheque in my back pocket and a strong chance of walking into another role it seemed to be an easy decision.

More recently that's become more likely. My company has merged and departments are seeing changes and restructuring. I'm also looking at setting up a coaching business.

Trouble is yesterday I was told that my job is moving 32 miles away, a 1 1/2 hour commute and I may have the opportunity to take redundancy. Now in the cold light of day that's a scary thought.

Hubby has recently taken redundancy to start his own business. I am the only wage earner. The thought of not having a regular income into the household is well, frankly terrifying. The job market has worsened with tales of 200 applicant applying for one job and I'm not quite ready to get my business off the ground, with all the doubts that go with it.

Heck, do I follow my heart or my head?

Happy Birthday Blog

2011-03-06T07:00:00.004Z

I can't believe it - this blog is one year old today.

I've not blogged everyday, I'm not the greatest of bloggers but I've still made it through the 12 month mark and I think that's an achievement.

As a birthday treat, it would be great if you are reading this, that you leave a comment anonymous or otherwise. I'd love to know if you read this regularly, have just dropped by, or dip in from time to time.

Many thanks and I hope you continue to stay with me.

Snowdrop!
xx

Self development Workshop

2011-03-04T18:58:00.000Z

How come its so easy for other people to mess up your plans?

When I was on my coaching course, I met another girl who had similar ideas to me, she was fab and we got on really well. We have ideas for the future and although we want to have separate businesses being in different parts of the country we can see opportunities to work on joint projects.

One of those projects was a workshop. Without going into too much detail, I found a venue for the workshop that allowed us to show case the workshop, and through charging a very modest fee we would be able to cover our costs.

Everything was agreed, we'd settled on a date with the organiser and I'd submitted an advert to attract the delegates to the organisor. And her boss has pulled the plug on the basis that she things its too expensive with just 4 weeks to go.

The amount we were charging per delegate was about a sixth of the starting prices for other similar self development workshops and wouldn't cover the cost of an hours coaching. I thinks its great value for money. Sometimes I just want to scream.

Now, we can still run the workshops but funding the venue and finding delegates will be more difficult.

Motivational Blocks

2011-02-27T20:53:00.000Z

I am having to give myself a real kick up the bum. I have so much to do in terms of setting up and promoting a business, producing material for a website, writing material for a women's development workshop, writing essays and getting some paying clients.

Heck!

I was going to really get going after Christmas, but then it was only 3 weeks till we went on holiday, we got back and got Puppy. He's been here 3 weeks. We had friends here all weekend - I really need to knuckle down and get started.

Have revised my action plan for the next 3 months, but prioritising is a real big issue - it ALL needs doing during March.

Oh well, best just knuckle down.

Motivational Quote - determination

2011-02-23T07:00:00.001Z

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." - Tommy Lasorda

A New Hope

2011-02-17T21:09:00.000Z

We lost his royal doggyness just after Christmas. I had been expecting it for a couple of years. We'd had a little bit of a health problem and he'd never properly recovered from it. It didn't make the change any easier. I described it as there being something missing from just behind me and to my right which is where he always seemed to be.

So everytime I turned around he simply was no longer there. Its been strange.

A month later and enough has been enough and we've settled on Puppy. I've never known anything so small fill such a big gap.

Motivational quote - sit up and take notice

2011-02-11T17:25:00.001Z

"It is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action." - Al Batt

Motivational Quote - Do one thing

2011-02-06T14:13:00.001Z

"Don't sit back and just think about your desires. Make today the first day you do one thing to make them happen."

Wasted Time

2011-01-19T07:00:00.003Z

I've just finally opened a Twitter account and is therefore something I'm only just getting to grips with. How to tweet or retweet......and what appears to everyone....and what is seen only by those its intended for.

So I'm still being really careful at the moment.

This appeared as a Tweet - on my Twitter page:

"How many wasted minutes are in your day? What if you put them all together and took another step towards you goal?"

I'm sharing it with you because I think its very apt. Time is so short and there is so much to do. Something I often complain about in my Blog. I try not to waste time and to live every minute of my life even if that's doing the boring mundane stuff like the washing. When I'm at my best I can juggle two or three housey tasks between catching up on my favourite TV and sorting out the evening meal. Its tiring though but I really see the benefits of doing it.

Its such a shame that I often loose all the time I've gained by procrastinating. Updating and viewing facebook when I should be writing web pages.

Oh well!

Motivational Quote - Mind and Body

2011-01-14T18:05:00.000Z

"Wholesome exercise in the free air, under the wide sky, is the best medicine for body and spirit."

Sarah Louise Arnold

I chose this quote having been to the gym at lunchtime. I get a real buzz and energy kick from my exercise classes and believe that exercise is just as good for the mind as the body. And I believe that's its good to take an hour or so of gym classes 2-3 times a week.

But what I know more than anything is there is nothing quite like a week's walking in the fells of the lake district.

I can't wait.

Motivational Quote - Being Great

2011-01-08T09:50:00.000Z

You don't have to be Great to get started,

but you have to get started to be Great

Les Brown.

Ode to His Royal Doggyness

2011-01-04T18:03:00.000Z

Sadly, I had to say goodbye to a very special friend over the Christmas period. His Royal Doggyness grew very tired after 14 years of shedding grey hair on my black clothes, going for walks and splattering me with mud, leaving muddy paw prints over freshly cleaned floors.

He will be very missed.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours,
faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

-- Unknown

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2010-12-24T08:00:00.000Z

Just wanted to wish all my followers and readers:

very

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

wherever you may be.

Note to a special friend

2010-12-18T17:00:00.001Z

This is the time of year when we all think about our nearest and dearest. So a post entitled special friend shouldn't seem that strange.

You will all have read my posts that refer to 'Special Friend' so you may have a sense of who she is.

I had a chat with her a couple of weeks ago. She is a truly great spontaneous person and for some reason only known to her, she doesn't like the word special.

This saddens me, for special describes everything she is to me. Someone who is that little bit above the rest. Something that sets her aside from 'Best Friend' whom I have been friends with for many years.

The dictionary says:

spe·cial (spes̸h′əl)

adjective

1. of a kind different from others; distinctive, peculiar, or unique
2. exceptional; extraordinary: a special treat
3. highly regarded or valued: a special friend
4. Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional: special treat.
5. Regarded with particular affection and admiration.

And I think that sums her up - pretty much and it saddens me that I have to stop using this adjective. However, she means a lot to me and I don't want to offend, so we have agreed on the word "Fab" or "Fabulous".

Lets consult the dictionary....

fab·u·lous (făbˈyə-ləs)
adjective

1. of or like a fable; imaginary, fictitious, or legendary
2. hard to believe; incredible; astounding
3. Informal very good; wonderful
4. Barely credible; astonishing: the fabulous endurance of a marathon runner.
5. Extremely pleasing or successful: a fabulous vacation.
6. a. Of the nature of a fable or myth; legendary.
b. Told of or celebrated in fables or legends.

Hmmmmmm, Personally I don't think its fits so well, but she really is a great friend and I don't want to offend. So from now on when I refer to my Fab Friend, you my readers will know that I'm really referring to Special Friend.

......and a big thank you to her, for her help support and encouragement this year.

Getting Back on Track

2010-12-14T18:26:00.000Z

Looks like I have to start once again with an apology. Its ages since my last post. Some of that time was spent getting back on track, some of it because I've been training with Business Initiative, trying to get to grips with the financial elements of my business.

Just 2 weeks ago, someone sent an email out to my fellow course delegates that they didn't intend to send. This happened to mention what they thought about me personally. I found this devastating.

The old me would have crumbled completely, and I did for a couple of days with sleepless nights etc. Then I picked myself up, dusted myself off.

Since then I have exchanged a dialogue with that person via email. We are complete opposites and I have to admit I didn't exactly connect with her either. I just wasn't stupid enough to send an email to everyone else!!! To cut a long story short, chatting to each other has allowed us to understand who we both are and how we interact. In fact its improved our relationship.

I'll struggle to trust her totally, but am pleased with the outcome. Its a win/win.

Its so easy to destroy trust

2010-11-29T21:02:00.001Z

As you know, I have spent months working out what I want to do with my future. I have spent months saving money for that future.

I found a fabulous course and left it on a complete high. All my hopes, dreams and aspirations seemed real.

How in so few words could one person destroy so much trust in one day? Now my dreams and hopes are scattered on the floor around me. I am struggling to even see how I can gather them all up let alone piece them back together.

Passed!!!!!!

2010-11-23T22:07:00.000Z

For those of you who have been with me from the start, you will know the agony I have experienced in working out what I was going to do, what course was going to be best and then finding the time and effort to settle into a course.

Its been a brilliant journey, and one that finished in live coaching assessments on Monday. It was a very interesting experience and the feedback exercise was enlightening too.

I'm over the moon because I've passed. I now have a Barefoot Certificate in Personal and Business Coaching.

And I'm sad too. Its the end of an era and I've met some incredible people including one very special lady who I may do some associate work with.

Now I need to plan, pull together my website get some business in through the door and write my essays so that I can turn my Barefoot Certificate into a Post Graduate Certificate in Coaching.

Here goes......

Quote for the Day - Dancing in the Rain

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000Z

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...

It's about learning how to dance in the rain."

- Vivian Greene

A Very Special Day

2010-11-17T07:00:00.000Z

Its a very special day to day. Its his Royal Doggyness' birthday. He's an old man at 14. Unlike Hubby he's never grumpy.

All he asks for these days is two square meals, regular outdoor exercise and a warm radiator to nap next too.

Bless!

As an aside there are some really scaring photos on the internet when you search under dog birthday - do people really dress up their dogs like that or are they staged!

An apology - busy times

2010-11-15T07:00:00.000Z

I'll start by apologising for being lazy with my blog lately.

Its no excuse but I've been busy. Next weekend is my third and final workshop for the coaching course. Its my final assessment too. So I've been spending every spare minute going over my notes and making sure I am familiar with various questioning techniques and listening skills etc

I'm not particularly worried about it.......yet! Ask me on Sunday!

As a result my house is a mess - and I mean a mess. 3 inches of dust everywhere and an inch of dog hair on the carpet. Washing up piling up in the kitchen too.

I am sure it will all settle down after my assessment. I will have 3 essays to write, Christmas shopping to do, friends coming for the weekend. It can only get better can't it?

Inspirational Quote - Reflection, Imitation and Experience

2010-11-13T13:00:00.000Z

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the most bitter.”

Confucius

Fear of Success

2010-11-09T21:19:00.000Z

Signs of Fear of Success - this comes from one of my favourite weblinks.

The biggest problem for many people is that their fear of success is largely unconscious. They just don't realize that they've been holding themselves back from doing something great.

If you experience the following thoughts or fears, you might have a fear of success on some level:

* You feel guilty about any success you have, no matter how small, because your friends, family, or co-workers haven't had the same success.

* You don't tell others about your accomplishments.

* You avoid or procrastinate on big projects, especially projects that could lead to recognition.

* You frequently compromise your own goals or agenda to avoid conflict in a group, or even conflict within your family.

* You self-sabotage (member only article) your work or dreams by convincing yourself that you're not good enough to achieve them.

* You feel, subconsciously, that you don't deserve to enjoy success in your life.

* You believe that if you do achieve success, you won't be able to sustain it. Eventually you'll fail, and end up backing a worse place from where you started. So you think, "why bother?"

This is an extract taken from a Mind Tools newsletter. If you want to see the full article click Mind Tools

Website Design

2010-11-05T10:24:00.000Z

Am still trying to keep on top of study and housework and work and practise coaching. But I now have my logo thanks to Best Man Friend.

Now I need a website and business cards. Hubby is working hard to pull the website together, but its really hard making sure the words and design all reflect what i want it to be.

Its all makes sense in my head but looks very different on paper and computer screen.

By the way, did you know you can get business cards in chocolate, on razor blades and in the form of lego men - its all on the net.

Quote for the Day - Hamlet

2010-11-03T07:00:00.000Z

“There’s nothing good or bad its just thinking that makes it so”

- Hamlet

My head is full !!!!

2010-11-02T07:00:00.002Z

So here I am, almost half way between workshop 2 and workshop 3. I need to reread my notes. Catch up on some emails from my fellow classmates. Read my books. Catch up on forums. Get my logo sorted. Get coached. Practice coaching.

The list is endless.

Blogging is suffering - but I'm still here - just!

Perceptions

2010-11-01T07:00:00.000Z

PERCEPTION

. . Something To Think About . .

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . .

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Winnie The Pooh Quote - time to think

2010-10-28T07:00:00.006+01:00

Another fine example of when time to think is important.

“Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it.”

by A. A. Milne

Nancy Kline - Time to Think

2010-10-27T07:00:00.002+01:00

Today's guest Speaker was Nancy Kline. We have been waiting for this. Kim has built this up to be the ultimate in Coaching.

I used to think that being a life coach was about having to think about all the right questions at exactly the right moment to get to the crux of the clients issue. I'd even read the book and still couldn't believe that you could coach someone in almost utter silence.

Nancy was warm and loving - she could make anyone comfortable in her presence.

It was only when she took a volunteer and we watched in awe as Nancy asked her simple question that the concept really truly became clear.

It was like a work of art. If you ever get chance to see her, do so, and if you don't - read the book.

Coaching Course Part II

2010-10-26T08:09:00.000+01:00

I'm soo tired today.

I've been on workshop 2 of my Coaching Course. Its so hard to believe that 4 weeks have passed since my last one. We pack so much into the 4 days too. Some theory, guest speakers (Nancy Kline, Damien Hughes, Sue Brown), practice sessions, then when we go back to the B&B a few of us are staying at we talk about it all again.

I did want to absorb myself into it, but it does tire me out too.

I have taken the day off work too. This will help. Though having eaten like a pig for the last 4 days I'm having to go to my favourite gym class this morning - Body Pump to see if I can get rid of those few pounds before they settle on my hips.

Book Review - Coaching with NLP - How to be a master coach

2010-10-22T07:00:00.000+01:00

As I may have mentioned previously - I'm not a big reader. If I'm lucky I managed 3 books a year and a handful of walking/cookery magazines.

I'm rather horrified that I need to read, interpret and analyse books to enhance my essays.

I have a reading list provided by my course and am desperately searching book shops to try and identify the easy reads. In the mean time I picked a book that's not on the list. This is called "Coaching with NLP" by Joseph O'connor & Andrea Lages. So I thought I'd offer you a book review.

Whether you're into coaching or NLP, this is a great read. I don't consider myself a big reader, but this book has a lovely layout and is well illustrated with coaching models.

Its both an excellent introduction to coaching or to NLP. What I particularly liked is the resource section at the back, contains a number of tools to use with clients.

I managed comfortable to fit it into a bust schedule ans still read it in two weeks, however it is also a book you could dip in and out of, or take more time to really get to grips with all of the aspects.

Thoroughly recommended.

Pin Badges

2010-10-21T07:00:00.002+01:00

Removing my Pin badges

Pin badges are a strange thing. They carry words like

One of my personal discoveries when I was being coached was that I chose to wear pin badges. By this I mean I would actually label myself - things like:

“I have no confidence”
“I’m not very good at my job”

Coach made me realise that I was hiding behind these. But what’s worse, the more I stated it the more I reinforced it. They became self fulfilling prophecies.

Now I recognise them. Now I am able to take them off, throw them away or even wear new ones.

They say things like

“I have confidence”
“I can do this”

Poem - Just One

2010-10-20T07:00:00.001+01:00

Just One

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!

Anon

Another Coaching Session

2010-10-19T07:00:00.003+01:00

Another brilliant coaching session today. I really enjoy coaching Special friend. She really responds well to the sessions and always seems to take something away from them. What more could I want?

We tried some time line methodology today. I learnt lots, particularly this this does not work very well over the phone, however Special Friend still took something from the session so am I pleased.

A friend in need

2010-10-18T07:00:00.009+01:00

"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

~Grace Pulpit

My friends boss rang me today to see Friend wasn't in work today. She once again hasn't replied to my texts so I cancelled my fitness class and called in to see her.

Its really tough. I know at a high level what the problem is (friends have tipped me off), but she's so close to tears the whole time she seems unable to tell me. To make things worse, the kids are always there as well.

I couldn't even give her a hug in case that set her off.

I just want to help and don't know how!

Taking Time Out - easier said than done

2010-10-15T07:00:00.002+01:00

We've had a brilliant weekend with friends including a trip to the beach. A great forget about it all kind of day.

I'd taken my laptop and a great pile of reading to their house and had every intention of spending a couple of hours studying whilst the boys watched the Grand Prix - it just didn't happen - so now I've got loads to catch up on.

I am starting to worry a little now. Special friend asked a very valid question - how was I going to get clients. I can't say I haven't thought about it previously. I know it is one of my greater challenges, but with Special friend asking it, it just brought it home to me.

My Second Volunteer Client

2010-10-14T07:00:00.000+01:00

I had my second volunteer client today. VC2 had very similar issue to VC1 in that she hates her job, can't afford not to work and doesn't know what she wants to do.

Yet, the session was so different to the first. VC2 talked for ages and it didn't feel like it was going anywhere.

At the end of the session she admitted that she'd voiced thoughts that she didn't even know existed.

This might be a tough one.

My First Volunteer Client

2010-10-13T07:00:00.007+01:00

Ooh, today is my first official volunteer coaching sessions. It certainly didn't go as expected. I knew VC wanted a new career but things got so bad at work she was carrying her resignation letter in her handbag.

So when I coached her, we were dealing with why she'd not handed it in rather than where her future lay.

I'm very self critical - we need to remember this!

My structure wasn't as fluid as I would have liked. I dipped into the GROW model and back out again on several occasions.

But I did learn something.

Firstly, not to rush the client. If they want to stay in the 'reality' bit of the model then that might be right for the client.

Secondly it brought home exactly how important it is not to advise the client. Imagine if I'd said "what I'd do is hand in the letter" - the possible consequences of getting it wrong are huge.

What is coaching?

2010-10-12T07:00:00.003+01:00

Well it was nice to get a weekend finally, even if it did seem to end in just a matter of minutes, And we got loads done. I managed to catch up on some course notes, a practice sessions with Hubby, update my personal learning journal, oh and write my "what is coaching" web page.

Plus we visited parents, took His Royal Doggyness to the vets and painted the conservatory! - Phew!

A lesson in self belief

2010-10-11T07:00:00.001+01:00

Every year, Australia hosts 543.7-mile (875-kilometer) endurance racing from Sydney to Melbourne. It's amongst the world's toughest ultra-marathons. The race takes five days to complete and usually attempted by world-class athletes after much training.

In 1983, Cliff Young, a 61 years old potato farmer competed. No-one thought he could do it. He had been used to covering 2,000 acres on the farm and believed he could finish the race despite his lack of training.

The race started, leaving Cliff at the back. He had no sports training and ran with a shuffle.

In order to compete, one had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep the remaining 6 hours but, Cliff Young didn't know that! Cliff jogged through the night.

Cliff continued to run day and night, every morning he came a little closer to the leading pack. By the final night, he had surpassed all of the young, world-class athletes. He was the first competitor to cross the finish line and he set a new course record.

Modern athletes now adopt Cliff Young's efficient shuffle when completing and it is accepted that to compete for such races you no longer sleep.

For the full story:

Wikipedia on Cliff Young

Elite Feet on Cliff Young

Happy Anniversary to me!!!!!!!

2010-10-08T07:00:00.016+01:00

Happy Anniversary to me!!!!!

22 years with a single employer has to be an achievement in anybody's books. And if I look back and am honest, its been mostly good, especially the years when I was customer facing - I thrived on it - and of course its paid the bills over the years too.

I'm only unsettled now because I'm bored and in need of new challenges AND I miss dealing with people.

Hubby has been really brilliant at the moment. He's doing more than the lion's share of the housework and I'm getting some of my coaching study done too. Just not quite as much as I would like.

All work and no play?

2010-10-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

Already its seems that I am letting my journal slip slightly. I've not written in it for 4 whole days - its the very thing that gives me my blog fodder. I almost missed blog posting yesterday completely.

My life has become a whirl of work, sorting volunteer clients, trying to sort some of the business and web stuff out and doing my homework, re-reading course notes, ordering books and filling in university forms. At last after working 12 days on the trot I've now reached the weekend. Hubby has got stuck in and tidied the kitchen and we're planning to pain the conservatory.

I do know that all work and no play makes Snowdrop very dull, so we took His Royal Doggyness to the local canal side pub for a baguette and chips tea. For 13 years of his life I've never fed him anything that might be harmful, but I've relaxed this rule in the last year. At almost 14 I'm not sure a handful of chips will do him any further harm.

Flinging yoya mats - its the new sport

2010-10-06T07:00:00.026+01:00

I've had a brilliant 4 days on my coaching course, full of highs and lows. Its a post graduate certificate so I've loads of reading to do and the writing needs to be formulated in a certain way. This will take some time and is one of the bigger challenges for me.

I guess I will sit down and plan it out in a nice logical way like I do with most things.

Going back to work went ok too. I'd anticipated I might have had trouble changing my mind back from life coach to analytical mode. But it was when I got a bit over emotional at pilates it came as a total surprise to me. I get very frustrated with myself sometimes when I struggle with some of the more difficult moves.

Yes, I know I'm too hard on myself, Yes, I know everyone finds different things hard
but in my head I need to be able to do it.

My poor instructor must have wondered what on earth had happened when I threw down my yoga mat and stamped on it - but she's very lovely and understanding and gave me a big hug.

Now I'm just embarrassed about my outburst.

Peaked and Troughed.

2010-10-05T07:00:00.003+01:00

I've already talked about been on a roller coaster recently, and if I'm honest I knew this was going to happen. Its all the change curve stuff kicking in. I've peaked and troughed.

Day one of my course has been great. I've met great people, had some great practice coaching sessions, some covering the basics that I already know the theory for and others on totally new content, interesting and exciting. I've even learnt a little bit about being a sole trader and how to deal with my tax.

Then day 2 came along. We covered the exam, well course work for the exam. The assessment bit doesn't bother me. Neither does the thought of essay writing. Its the style of reading that's the issue.

Because its a post-graduate certificate I am required to read, understand, challenge and assess what I am reading and then communicate that effectively in an essay or 3. I've never worked like this before. I went straight to denial and I think my actual thought process was "I don't read". In actual fact I do read, 3 novels and half a dozen magazines a year.

I do find non-fiction difficult. Full of heavy language and concepts and then get bored very quickly. How on earth am I going to manage text books.

Fortunately a fellow student grounded me in one of the practice sessions. So I now know I need to crank up my reading, do a bit at a time, plan it and take it from there, but as I'm going to need time to do this, I need to push some of my business plans back a bit to free up some time.

Good stuff this coaching!

Santa is coming!

2010-10-04T07:00:00.001+01:00

I barely slept last night. I think I was just too excited. I think last night I had a night like that, Santa Claus was on his way or I was going into hospital to have my wisdom teeth out.

I think its the former, I don't feel nervious or scared just very very excited. The drive is bothering me a little and the packing is mithering me. What if I 've forgotton something? I'm going to a village called Diseworth, I don't think it will be the end of the earth so should have some amenities.

I keep worrying about undies and shoes. I know I have packed more than enough undies and I certainly never leave the house without shoes on my feet so why do I go through this irrational thinking?

Choices choices.........

2010-10-01T22:32:00.000+01:00

Despite a busy day at work, I've managed to follow up a couple more enquiries for volunteer clients. The first one, I met face to face and although I could see why he might want life coaching, I didn't get the feeling that he really knew what he wanted. The conversation was a bit stilted, we simply didn't gel at all. So I decided not to coach him. Why make things difficult for myself, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I should have seen him as a challenge.

The second was an email. Her partner has recently given up work and relocated here and now wants to earn a living from writing. Now that will be a challenge!!!!

Then I have someone whose work is making her ill, but she needs to work to earn money etc etc...

Choices choices ..........

A response to my Email

2010-09-30T07:00:00.002+01:00

I must be on a bit of a roll at the moment. Its Monday, its the first day back after a week's holiday in the Lakes and I have a pressing deadline that not only has to be met but has just been brought forward. I shrug my shoulders and tackle the some 80+ emails in my inbox.

There was of course the usual rubbish that I deleted without reading, an array of work tasks to do and a handful of replies to my plea for volunteer coachees.

In amongst all that was an email from one of the senior managers in my Function. He'd responded to the email I sent out on Personnel lady's suggestion. He suggested we chatted, it had been sent last week, however he just happened to wander into the office today - we've not met before.

So I straightened my hair (well that's what us girls do) and my shoulders and introduced myself. He was very interested in what I was doing and had given my proposal serious consideration. SO much so that he's considered each and every member of his team before settling on one person.

He is the same level as my Boss' Boss' Boss and equally supportive. He is going away to chat with the person's line manager and we'll take it from there.

Just 5 days to go

2010-09-29T07:00:00.003+01:00

I get increasingly more excited as the week goes on. My training course is now only 5 days away.

I went to meet CR (volunteer coachee) today to have a get to know you chat and make sure that we are mutually right together to have a coaching relationship.

She was concerned that she has too many issues and I want to dice right in and start working on them with her, so yes, I believe it will work. I feel as excited about the prospect of coaching her as I did about coaching Special Friend.

I went to the meeting prepared and had considered what I might need to say to her but she came along and asked all the right questions.

Needless to say, we are going to go for it.

Two down, one to go!

Meeting The Experienced Coach

2010-09-28T07:00:00.030+01:00

Today was the day we ran home from my beloved Lake District and over to Skipton to meet The Experienced Coach. I actually wasn't nervous. Her whole persona in emails and over the telephone put me at ease.

I was stressed though. Tension between Hubby and I getting into the centre of Skipton caused that, so I was shaking slightly when I reached the cafe - Bean Loved. I was a couple of minutes ahead of The Experienced Coach, so had managed to calm down before she arrived.

Two whole hours flew by as we chatted and got to know each other. She has extended a hand of almost infinite help and has only applied one condition. That I extend help and support in a similar way to someone else who needs it at some time in the future - pass it on! She is in fact helping me as payback for a kindness she was shown when she was starting out.

I will fulfil my debt. I'm not going to deliberately look for that opportunity. I know it doesn't work like that. When the time is right the situation will present itself.

Back from holiday but excited

2010-09-27T07:00:00.008+01:00

What a fabulous and varied holiday! We have been held back a little from what we wanted to do by very strong winds and extremely heavy showers. The most memorable moments involved battling back from the Pooley Bridge Inn, in rain like I've never seen for many years, to sitting in the Mardale Inn at Bampton, tucking into great food and reliving the previous 9 1/2 hours and 12 1/2 miles. We'd taken the Riggendale route from Haweswater to High Street and 7 other tops along the way.

Tired but happy. My knee is troubling me - its not been this painful since I damaged the ligament 4-5 years ago - but it was still the highlight of the week.

Tomorrow we go home. As usual I am sad to leave but happy that we're coming back to His Royal Doggyness.

This time I'm even excited. We take a detour to Skipton to see The Experienced Coach. I'm nervous though too.

And on Sunday I'm meeting CR. She's a potential volunteer coachee. And on Friday my course starts.

Wow - what a week.

Looking Back - Procrastination and headless chickens

2010-09-24T07:00:00.015+01:00

When I look back over how I got here my coach used a number of techniques on me. Firstly there was the stuff about NLP preferences.

What’s the expression? Procrastination is the thief of time. I’d come to realise that I spend an awful lot of time worry about how to start a task and if I couldn’t work out the answer to that I’d check my emails or read the internet or fill out my time sheet.

If I didn’t know how to start the task and it was urgent then I’d just go into headless chicken mode. I’m surprised, looking back, that I didn’t start to grow feathers and lay eggs.

I’d start the task one way, panic I was doing it wrong, tackle it a different way, get different results, panic again, panic because I was panicking. In fact panic, panic, PANIC……

The calm of Coach won through. It was amazing. In a few simple steps she’d got me to realise that I wasn’t achieving anything in panicking and that I needed to adopt a few simple steps (largely list writing which I’m very good at) and approach tasks in a calmer and more logical manner.

It still happens to me, even now, but at least I recognise it as its happening and can take action.

A positive reminder about choice

2010-09-23T07:00:00.017+01:00

I don't tend to get involved with email chain letters, but this is one with a very positive message. It was sent to me by my good friend Polergirl so I thought I'd share it with you.

Hope it makes you smile.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!' 'You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?' I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked.

He continued, '...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action...'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied..' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere
with what you can do."
- John Wooden

Wet and Windy Lake District

2010-09-22T07:00:00.015+01:00

Its half way through my holiday. Last Friday seems so long ago (it won’t be for you I only posted the day before yesterday). Yet I still keep pinching myself. Nothing like this ever happens to me, or should I rephrase that:

“This is the first time that something like this has happened to me”.

I can’t help wondering if I will wake up to find it all a dream.

So far the holiday has been fab, despite the high winds and driving rain we have managed a balance of getting out into the fells, a little retail therapy (I’m now the owner of some nice snazzy New Balance trainers for the gym – although that gorgeous furry brown bargain fleece is still hanging on the rail) and some chillin’ time with Hubby. The bungalow is fantastic See Beckside Bungalow and brilliant for chillin’. Perhaps the lack of WIFI is a blessing.

Life is a roller coaster

2010-09-21T07:00:00.006+01:00

I rang my Experienced Coach this morning. She suggested that we meet face to face somewhere half way the first time we talk properly.

It seemed logical to do this on the way home from hols on Saturday.

I was a little apprehensive about making the call, but she was wonderful to chat to. She was warm and welcoming and enthusiastic and I can’t wait to meet her.

Life is just a roller-coaster at the moment.

TFI Friday

2010-09-20T07:00:00.021+01:00

If Mondays are bad – are Fridays good?

I think I woke up panicking this morning. However things have started to come together. I’ve had an email from my B&B confirming that the change in dates to coincide with my new course dates are fine.

I then spend the whole morning pacing up and down. I HAVE to clear the dates with Boss. I’ve already sent him an email selling him the benefits. Its only really the Mondays that I am asking for. I have every other Friday off work and Boss respects that and my course falls on those weekends. So I’m only asking for three Mondays. He’s very good over my holidays and I am very demanding – they’re important to me. And in ten years he’s only refused me once (I think). So why is there a little voice in my head telling me to worry. (probably because this is so important as someone is offering me one hell of a deal on my training).

I know Boss isn’t coming into the office until 9.30 and then going straight into interviews. I’m off out at 12.00.

The waiting is killing me.

Finally at the eleventh hour – literally 11:59, I’ve got my shoes on and am stood by the front door, the phone rings. Boss does his normal umming and arring and then agrees. I like my Boss. I wouldn’t tell him, but right now I could hug him. He’s not really the hugging type.

So its all systems go. I’m soooo excited I want to tell the world about my good fortune. (I forgot sometimes that when I’m blogging – I AM telling the world – or at least those bits that want to listen.

We’re off up to the Lakes tomorrow for a week. I have to ring Mum to sort out arrangements for His Royal Doggyness as our last minute accommodation isn’t doggy friendly. Besides these days he struggles on our step into the garden let alone 3000ft hills. Mum and Dad seemed uninterested in my Coaching when I initially told them. They were too worried and focussed on the thought that I might give up my nice safe job at the bank. I mention that my course dates have changed. Largely because she worries about me and likes to know that I’m where I’m supposed to be. It’s a Mum thing. She goes onto to tell me that Dad suggested they give me £500 towards my course. WOW! I can’t go wrong at the moment.

So, Universe, I’m writing to thank you. I asked for £2,000 to pay for my course. You haven’t given it to me, however you have given me what I truly wanted. An opportunity to train on the course I wanted to do. I think I can manage the rest!

OMG - my course has been cancelled

2010-09-17T07:00:00.036+01:00

PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had an email from Barefoot Coaching tonight. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they've had to cancel my training course.

OMG! All that planning, all that saving.

Then I stop and read the email properly. Its beautifully written - typical of Kim Morgan. She's offering me choices - and has emailed rather than called to give me thinking time. When I read the options its a no-brainer.

My money back?

Wait for new unscheduled course dates?

or

Upgrade for free to the Post Graduate course. This is the course that I really wanted to do and ruled out because its double the price of the under graduate.

PANIC!

I'm not in work for a week, the course starts the week after and I have to rearrange all my holiday dates off work, my accommodation and it clashes with a concert that I'm going to.

Argghhhh!

Talk about the change curve, I definitely went into shock, in fact i travelled through the whole spectrum and once I'd managed to free myself from the ceiling on which I'd landed, I was able to email my B&B, email my Boss and figured that I'd be able to work something out around the concert.

Getting the upgrade is fantastic, I can't believe the opportunity - WOW!

Emailling Managers

2010-09-16T07:00:00.023+01:00

Personnel Lady called me today with some feedback on my proposed email to my Manager's area at work.

I'd largely only sent it to her because I didn't want her to see me as a quitter. She suggested that I prepositioned it directly at the high level managers to get some strong recommendations - rather than be inundated with anyone/everyone. So I thought why not? It would also be a good way of raising my profile at work too.

It was quite scary pressing 'send', but I'm going to have to get used to dealing with some higher level management types besides, they are only people aren't they?

Looking Back - NLP preferred types

2010-09-15T07:00:00.004+01:00

Another looking back post, following my journey to date, this follows on from last weeks post about getting a coaching sponsor.

Coach gave me an NLP exercise to do. A short personality questionnaire type of thing. I love doing stuff like that.

This is a link to a fun questionnaire
http://www.everydaynlp.com/Free-NLP-Assessment.html

It told me I am Kinaesthetic. – Touchy Feely. To communicate I need to be much more hands on than some people.

The following are typical of a Kinaesthetic Preference
• speak slowly
• respond to physical rewards
• touch people to get their attention
• stand close when talking to someone
• are physically oriented and move a lot
• have early large-muscle development
• learn by manipulating and doing
• memorise by walking and seeing
• use a finger as a pointer when reading
• gesture a lot
• can't sit still for long periods of time
• can't remember geography unless they've actually been there
• use action words
• like plot-oriented books, reflect action with body movement as they read
• may have messy handwriting
• want to act things out
• like involved games

It appears that Boss is more Visual. I can recall him using the phrase “can’t you see why………”

This appears to be why we have little understanding for each other.

If you try the test, I’d love to know what you are.

......and before Monday was even over

2010-09-14T07:00:00.016+01:00

As if the personnel woman wasn’t bad enough, Mentee emailed me again. She hadn’t managed to call me because she’d had to go into town with her Mum and return some Avon products.

Huh!

The excuse seemed quite lame and doesn't take into account me having to continually rearrange my work calendar around her. She seems unaware that I might have a life, expecting me to be available on Saturdays too.

So I did what I always do and analysed the situation. When I'd finished I'd concluded that her Mum could be wheelchair bound, she supplements her benefits to help finances at home by selling Avon and I possibly haven't laid out the terms of the mentoring relationship very well.

I guess two of the three are probably spot on. I've sent a couple of mails/texts asking her to call me and explaining that I won't be in the office next week.

What is that thing about Mondays?

2010-09-13T07:00:00.011+01:00

It’s a Monday and again Monday things have happened.

Firstly, the women from personnel replied to my email reminding her that I was looking for volunteer coaches.

She apologised for sitting on the email for a week and a half as she’d been busy. Training department had advised that I can’t do any ‘official’ coaching as I’m not accredited – of course I can’t get accredited without coaches.

Arrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhh!

If people want to volunteer, and they understand that I’m not accredited – that’s fine but effectively I’m on my own. That’s what I wanted to do in the first place until THEY decided they could do it better. And its only taken 4 weeks to leave me right where I started from. Bureaucracy at its best.

So I did what I was going to do originally, stick an ad for free life coaching on the ‘sales’ board at work. Within 2 hours I had been contacted by a girl who’s sister was considering life coaching. She wants to change her job and her life. Perfect! It’ll be a challenge but a good challenge. We’re going to meet later this week.

So Employer! Thank you. You’ve just made me even more determined to make a success of this.

Planning to meet my Experienced Coach

2010-09-10T07:00:00.027+01:00

I can't remember whether I mentioned her, but I was approached a couple of months ago by a life coach who saw some similarities between my profile and her own.

I'm sure I did but can't find the post, so you'll have to trust me. But she contacted me and offered her help, experience and support. I was overwhelmed.

We have remained in touch over the last few weeks and now I'm ready to meet her metaphorically speaking, so i mailed her to check she was still OK with it. Experienced Coach mailed me back and suggested we meet face to face half way. That would only be about an hour/hour and half journey. Its exactly what I would have suggested, but I didn't want to impose.

Perhaps there again is another learning point.

Disappointed with my Mentee

2010-09-09T07:00:00.026+01:00

Once again I feel a sense of disappointment with my Backing Young Britain Mentee. Mentee has once again failed to ring me when she said she would. I can't help myself thinking "youth of today" and shaking my head - and then realising how old that makes me.

My problem is finding the right approach. I don't want to take a heavy approach with her - she might back off and that would be it. But at the same time I want her to realise that what she's getting is a gift and one she at some point in her life might actually appreciate. I'm taking time out of my working day to help and support her. I still have to complete all my work tasks. So the very least she could do is keep her appointments or let me know if she can't - a courtesy.

I have sent her an email asking if everything is OK but I will need to take a tougher stance going forward.

Introducing The Change Curve

2010-09-08T07:00:00.001+01:00

Change can be uncomfortable for all of us. It’s perfectly normal to experience a variety of feelings even if you’re the one driving the change, or supporting the change.

The change curve is a model that many people identify with, some if not all of the stages. Even those committed to change, as a steady state, sometimes feel momentary DENIAL.

There are lots of variations of the Change Curve, the most notable is the Kubler Ross Curve that is specifically used for grief.

I used to have a great link for the Kubler Ross curve, but it seems its been removed from the Web. So I am going to come up with my own version that takes you through a range of emotions which are more suited to general changes.

Watch this space.........

Looking Back - Dealing with the sponsor

2010-09-07T07:00:00.024+01:00

This is the next installment looking back over my journey to here. It follows on from the looking-back-coach-transfer post.

My new coach suggested we did things properly. This meant having a sponsor. A sponser being Boss. The idea behind this was to make sure that both he and I bought into the same reasons for the coaching and could work towards the same goals.

I ummed, I arrred and I ummed again. Then I decided to bite the bullet. What had I really got to loose?

So at my next monthly appraisal I raised the topic. Boss didn’t really pretend to understand, but knows that as my manager he is expected to support my persona; development and I guess to some extent that he saw that whatever time I spent doing this was effort that he didn’t need to put in.

So coach, Boss and I sat down and talked about me. I was amazed how clued up Boss was. He’d made some observations about me that where quite startling. The phrase he used was Snowdrop sees herself as a square peg in a round hole.

He’d completely hit the nail on the head. I knew that’s how I saw me, but I couldn’t believe he could see it too. God! I must be transparent

Why do we need to change?

2010-09-06T07:00:00.000+01:00

This is the third in a series of posts about change.

Sometimes we want to change. Perhaps there is something that you don’t like about yourself and are seeking an opportunity to do something about it. You might actually like who and what you are but are seeking continuous improvement and in doing so see a need to change.

Sometimes we resist change; perhaps change is being forced on you at work. In recent times employers are dictating that change is essential for their businesses to operate. As an employee it can be difficult to keep up.

It could be that someone you are connected to is seeking change, forcing a change directly on you. Major life events such as marriage or loss of a loved one envokes change.

It’s how we deal with that change that matters.

To keep ahead it’s critical that we continue to develop as a person and change. Change, however can bring many emotions, it can be exciting or terrifying, fun or confusing.

I hope that some of my upcoming blog posts will help you to cope with whatever aspect of change you are facing, understand your inner feelings and help you to deal positively with these.

Learning Point

2010-09-03T07:00:00.008+01:00

It can be easy to judge people, to have a pre-conceived idea of who they are, what they're about and how they'll act - and this is something I'm going to have to move away from as a life coach an d learn to treat everyone on face value.

My Backing Young Britain Mentee contacted me today. I'd written her off. One session, confirmation to the job centre that's she'd attended, allowances in tact. And that was the overriding feeling. She'd missed a meeting - just one, and failed to respond to my messages and I'd written her off.

I guess not everyone checks their email daily.

Just one week later she contacts me. She's been given a three month placement under a government backed incentive and will be doing some admin work in a local hospital. Its a fantastic opportunity to get some relevant work experience and a chance to prove herself and come out with some good references. It wasn't easy to talk, she was on her mobile so we're going to have a proper chat next week. I'm really looking forward to it. but my learning point this week is go give people more of a chance.

Coaching High

2010-09-02T07:00:00.038+01:00

..........Now!

Had a coaching session with one of my volunteer coachees today. I was able to go into the session, not worrying about whether or not I'd done enough prep. And the session was so much better because I allowed it to flow naturally.

I can't go into details because my coachee has a right to privacy, but I do know that they have taken some pretty big steps in facing the obstacles that are in the way of progress and will be able to continue to use what they have learnt in the future too.

This person's enthusiasm for what they are doing is amazing and it makes my job very easy. See, I can't simply accept that I might actually be a natural at this!

From my point of view, I know I push a little too hard at times, I need to take a step back and allow my coachees a little more time to identify their own solutions.

I guess the real buzz of it came when my coachee rang me back to say they'd actually done what they'd been putting off. I'd say that's a really big well done to both of us.

Business Link

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000+01:00

A rare treat today! I took a half day off working this morning. I generally prefer afternoons. I like that feeling of getting work over and done with early and not have it looming over me like an a swinging axe.

So I managed to get an extra Body Pump work out in and then went to meet Pete at Business Link. I found him a bit feeble, although he was enthusiastic, over enthusiastic. Its a shame really I've heard great things about Business Link but could be easily put off by the first meeting I had. The reception girl at my local council office just vaguely waved me in the direction of his office, the meeting lasted about 20 mins, but the advice sound:

"As soon as I have clients get some business insurance, business car insurance, record mileage and keep receipts". We also talked about their courses which was my main reason for going - so I will reserve judgement until then.

He offered 4 course dates. Two of them are during the days and I will find them difficult to attend. The other two are Monday and Wednesday evenings but are immediately following my 4-day weekends at Barefoot Coaching getting my training. I will be shattered. But its that or wait until December.

Decisions, decisions!

Today I also posted my balance cheque to Barefoot -so I am paid in full. Again I posted it with a little nervousness but no real doubts. Cara has sent me the joining pack through which covers all the course work and mentions a journal. I do keep one already, but I sense this one needs to be written with more feeling - as probably does my blog. Starting .................

Change - The Concept

2010-08-31T07:00:00.007+01:00

This blog post is about Change. Change is a concept that many of us struggle to deal with, or we find it difficult to adapt to new situations, sometimes we need a little help along the way.

Struggling to deal with change can be counter-productive and hold us back in both our personal or working lives. Change can be large, resulting from a change in personal circumstances e.g. loss of a family member, change in job, marriage, or small e.g. a new filing system at work. Fear of change can prevent us from trying something new. No matter how large or small the change, its rarely trivial and can result in emotions such as fear or blame.

In many cases change is out of our control and if we can manage our feelings around change, then we more quickly adapt and become productive again.

Change

2010-08-30T07:00:00.030+01:00

Life has settled down a bit for me now and I'm going through a series of actions in setting up my business. My emotions are much calmer and I feel I have less to report about me.

One of my intentions of this blog was to set up a resource that people could use and hopefully find some inspiration, so I will start to cover a series of topics that I hope you will find useful.

The first of those will be "Change". I've already touched on Change, when I first included the Kubler Ross Change Curve. This post gets more hits from google then any other post on my blog so change must be interesting to people.

By Definition:

"CHANGE verb ( BECOME DIFFERENT ) : to make or become different, or to exchange one thing for another thing, especially of a similar type"

But what does change mean to us?

Laws of Attraction

2010-08-27T07:00:00.017+01:00

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought."

Buddha

When I met with NLP Trainer, I stated that I was amazed by all the help and support that people are willing to give, since I started on my coaching journey. He asked if I'd heard about the Law of Attraction. After I figured out that he wasn't actually hitting on me, I allowed him to explain in brief. Basically, the more I think about my subject, the more I will see opportunities and put myself in a position to meet like minded people who can help.

I found this definition on the web:

In understanding the Law of Attraction, we come to realize that we attract into our lives whatever we give our Attention, Energy and Focus to. Whether wanted or unwanted.

Business Action Plan

2010-08-26T07:00:00.035+01:00

Well, it actually wasn't a bad first day back. On a positive note, my Boss valued my opinion enough to ask me what I thought the new team structures should look like (although it may just be because with everyone leaving - I am the team!).

I've taken some time out to draw up a new business action plan, taking me through all the steps I need to take from taking my training course with specifics around finding my volunteer coachees to settling finally on a name for my business and getting business cards printed and a web site set up.

It takes me right the way up to the end of the year and although I will have completed my training by then, I may not yet have my final accreditation - I need to check how long this takes with Barefoot.

Also today, I met with NLP Trainer again. He has some fantastic plans of his own which involves publishing books. His ideas are fantastic and I wish I'd come up with them and I am sure that when he finally leaves my company he will be successful and I am sure there are similar ideas out there I just need a way of coming up with some.

For me, just chatting to him was truly inspirational, motivational and exciting. It spurs me on along my own journey. I am now considering creating mini-books in PDF format around career changes for sale through my web - when I set it up.

That Monday Feeling

2010-08-25T07:00:00.007+01:00

It's Wednesday morning and its like a Monday, having spent a wonderful 5-day weekend in the Lake District.

It was everything it should be, waking up to see mist lying over keswick from our elevated camp-site, dry! in the main, a chance to catch up with Special Friend and Best Man Friend and a meal in my fave fave fave! restaurant - marred slightly because I didn't feel too well, but great all the same.

The tent behaved impeccably compared to its Houdini attempt last month. I'm very sad to pack it away this time, it unlikely to see daylight again until Spring.

Looking Back - Coach Transfer

2010-08-24T07:00:00.012+01:00

Its a while since we looked back at my journey and how I got to where I am now. So following Looking Back - Coaching People here's the next installment.

I’d only had one session with my coach, when she contacted me to say she was leaving the organisation and as such our coaching would have to end.

What a disappointment!!!! This seems typical of what happens in my life.

She did however say to me that she knew of someone who had just finished their coaching training and would have a vacancy for some new recruits.

I knew the girl from way way back and had always found her pleasant. So I agreed with a little hesitancy. It was not because of who she was but because changing coaches right now was not on the top of my agenda.

Blogging Addiction - get a life!

2010-08-23T07:00:00.004+01:00

I get a regular health and well-being 'helpline' newsletter through work every week. It covers a number of topics and I always cast my eye over them to see if anything is interesting or useful to me.

This week I was offered advice about addictions to blogging. It states:

" Blogging is a wonderful way to express yourself and share your thoughts and opinions with the world. But for some, blogging has spiralled out of control. They can't tear themselves away from their computers long enough to have a conversation with an actual person. "

Scary stuff!

Fortunately I don't believe I'm addicted. My problem stems more closely to OCD. I blog religiously in a methodical and structured way.

According to the newsletter - its curable (the addiction not the OCD tendancies). It suggests getting a psychologist involved and limiting blogging to 30-45 mins a day. In addition people should be encouraged to see what is good in their real life.

I think it was suggesting that Bloggers should "get a life".

Personally I have found blogging in a structured and OCD kind of way has enabled me to get help and support where it might not normally be available and this seems to be the same for many of my readers.

A Momentous Day

2010-08-20T07:00:00.026+01:00

Today was a very momentous day. I fished out my chequebook (last used in 2004 following the downsizing of my handbag) and wrote out a cheque for almost £600. Yes! I've finally raised the deposit for my coaching course.

I've sold half my life on Ebay, raided every coin jar and money box in the house and searched behind every cushion on the settee.

I think I may have to beg, steal and borrow to fund the balance - I need to pay it by the end of this month.

I wrote out a very nice little letter, popped it into an envelope and strolled down to the post box with His Royal Doggyness. I hesitated for a few seconds before slipping the crisp envelope into the post box. I asked myself if I was sure. I have no doubts that I am doing the right thing and let go of the envelope.

His Royal Doggyness looked up at me strangely wondering why I'd stood still and we carried on our way to the meadow. No going back now!

Volunteer Coachees

2010-08-19T07:00:00.020+01:00

The lady from personnel emailed me today following my request for help around volunteer coachees. She's taken it up with someone in Training Department who would like to add me to the list of accredited coaches for the business.

This would be fabulous, except that ALL the accredited coaches at work, have all had their training funded by the company! The same company that won't pay for me to do my training - so I'm having to fund my own course. Grrrrrrrr!

Still, I can play their game and get my practice coaching supplied by them. I can make a decision later whether I want to be added to their list. At the moment its good practice which is what I need.

What a fabulous weekend

2010-08-18T07:00:00.027+01:00

Best Man Friend (BMF) and Special friend are here and its been a great weekend. Firstly its been fabulous to see them both, chill with them and walk with them. I love the entertaining side of it too. BMF has always paid me the compliment of coming back for seconds.

But the best part was having a brainstorm around what my business name could be. You may have read in previous posts that I'm struggling a little in getting the name to feel right and be something that no one else is using. Now I have 4 very string contenders. All of which I would feel pretty good about using and aren't registered at companies house and seem like safe internet bets too.

Special Friend and I had a face-to-face coaching session, following on from our telephone one a couple of weeks ago. The men had gone down the pub and two hours had passed before we knew where we were. Again I find it reassuring to see results happening. I CAN do this! It was good also to see some powerful emotions come to play around her goal. I know she will not struggle in realising her ambitions and I am honoured to be her coach.

The greatness of a woman

2010-08-17T07:00:00.001+01:00

Whatever you give a woman, she will make it greater.
Give her sperm, she will give you a baby.
Give her a house,she will give you a home.
Give her groceries, she will give you a meal.
Give her a smile and she will give you her heart.
She multiplies & enlarges what she is given.

I picked it up on facebook - isn't it great

Thanks but no thanks?

2010-08-16T07:00:00.000+01:00

Work really seemed to drag today - I couldn't settle into anything. I think it was largely because Special Friend and Best Man friend are coming for the weekend and I wanted to get home to clean and cook.

My work day did have one highlight though. I rang my Mentee who has been assigned through the Backing Young Britain initiative. The idea is to help her to find work. We had spoken very briefly previously and she was very reserved. My biggest fear was that like many others, she had been forced down the mentoring route by over enthusiastic Job Seeker advisers who just want to get people onto programs. Not at all! She was bright and open and really fed up of continually applying for jobs and not even getting a "thanks but no thanks " letter.

She seemed a little nervous - but then I am a total stranger so I decide to use my judgement and dispense with official form filling that BYB suggest, so we just had a good old chat and rapport building session. It seemed to work and we speak again in 2 weeks.

Business Link

2010-08-13T07:00:00.024+01:00

Following much procrastination (there's that word again) - I finally rang Business Link today.

This is an action that has been recommended to me by many people in my network and after quite a bit of diary shuffling at work I've managed I've managed to book an appointment later this month. Part of the problem is they only have 3 appointments a week in my home (and work) town the rest are in the city which is half an hour away which makes taking time out of work so much more difficult.

Had a last minute invite out tonight from Best friend. She's childless for a week and wants to fill her time so was getting together with a group of friends. Trouble is most of her friends are divorcees and whilst not wanting to type cast - when they get together it can be a bit like witches around a cauldron with comments like "all men are the same". I know they're just thinking it'll happen to me eventually. Well it won't! I intend to stay happily married.

I only went because I wanted to learn from previous mistakes. I need to dedicate a bit of extra time to Best Friend. It wasn't a bad night - they all left their broomsticks at home - but Best friend's Friend who wants to be a coach got a bit much after a while - still at least she didn't quiz me about my coaching.

Can I stand Competition?

2010-08-12T07:00:00.027+01:00

We had a stall at the local farmer's show in our town to sell Hubby's artwork. We didn't cover the stall costs but it was a fantastically brilliant publicity exercise and we hope it will result in some future work. If nothing else, it was a great social event and we saw lots of people we've not seen for a while including Best friend's friend.

Best friend's friend tells me she is training as a life coach (heck!) along with other irons she has in her fire. I take solace in the fact that she has lots of fingers in lots of pies and hope desperately that life coaching is just a whim for her. I don't know how many coaches one small town can handle because of course my Coach also operates here.

I think I am ahead of her. She has completed some freebie courses and I of course have my introductory Coaching for Success training plus some live experience. Though she is a stay at home mum and therefore has more time on her hands than me.

Guess I'll just have to work even harder.

Volunteer Coachees

2010-08-11T07:00:00.001+01:00

I've been keeping an eye out for volunteer coachees for the past few weeks. I will need three for when I start my coarse in September.

Special Friend volunteered ages ago, however I am consious that whilst I have done an introductory coaching coarse, I still have much to learn and will be of more benefit to her and her new business once I have completed my training.

However, she was keen to be coached and decided that some coaching now would be better than waiting so we got started. We can't do face to face - so we arranged to chat over the phone. I've been nervously waiting this day - AND excited at the same time. All those doubts going around my head:

"What if I let her down?",
"What if I can't help her?",
"what if she thinks I'm a fraud?"

Of course none of this actually mattered and once I started asking questions then I started to see some of the layers peel away.

What a fantastic feeling because I was beginning to have some real big doubts about my abilities to be a coach and get this business off the ground.

Beating Procrastination by Understanding Secondary Gains

2010-08-10T07:00:00.025+01:00

Raise your hand if you procrastinate! I can't see how many hands have just gone in the air, but I imagine its most of us.

Now keep your hand raised is you fully understand why you procrastinate. I'm guessing there's a lot of stuff around not wanting to deal with complicated and lengthy tasks, or lack of confidence around ability to do the task or fear of consequences.

Its all normal. In NLP terms its called secondary gain. Its understanding that whatever it is that is stopping you doing something - emotionally there is some benefit in not doing. A classic example is the one about not starting the diet until tomorrow, simply because you want that piece of cake NOW! And you want it now because eating it is pleasant - it tastes good and makes you feel better.

Once you understand you reasons your can start to deal with them. Eating that cake makes you feel really good now, but long term would you feel better for loosing that extra 2lb? Perhaps you could associate some negative thoughts about the cake, rather than positive ones. Ask yourself if eating it brings you closer to your goal.

I wanted to write this post as a follow up to yesterdays. I hope it helps you, its made me hungry!!

The thief of time

2010-08-09T07:00:00.003+01:00

We've all heard the phrase about procrastination - I know I do it. In fact its part of my daily routine. Let's face it I've been procrastinating for 5 years about taking this step in setting up my coaching business. I don't even want to think about how far into my business I could be had I taken this step 5 years ago. I have my reasons for it at the time and I have to accept that this is where I am here and NOW! and just deal with it.

I procrastinate daily, using all sorts of techniques to prove to myself that I don't. Let's face it - why exactly at work so I have 3 to do lists, a monthly one, weekly one, and a daily one - is it because I'm a super organised person and this helps me achieve my goals, or is it because it means that I spend the first ten minutes of every working day not starting that big task that I know is going to be troublesome. I'll let you decide!

Oh and don't get me started on action plans and why I have them?

Actually it all works for me, and I do achieve more as a result, but I still procrastinate at an alarming rate.

I googled it and found this.

Hope it helps.

Four's company, six is a crowd?

2010-08-06T07:00:00.028+01:00

Bit of an odd one this.

Hubby and I were invited out by someone. There were 6 of us, but have you ever had a feeling that you weren't part of the original plans? That one couple had asked the second couple and it was the second couple that invited us. And that we might actually have been intruding as far as the first couple were concerned.

It wasn't as though anything was said and it could just have been paranoia so I stuck with it and we had a great night, but it saddens me slightly as I have a great deal of respect for everyone concerned and would love to have more nights out like that.

Perhaps I just have to accept not everyone feels the same.

Business Help and Big Ideas

2010-08-05T07:00:00.044+01:00

Now I have got my Coaching training course sorted with Barefoot, I need to start thinking more about the business side of things. This is where I need some real help.

I met with a helpful colleague again today. You may remember Helpful Colleague from a previous post. I wanted to thank her and update her on how I reached my decision over the coaching course. And I thought there was very little to talk about. Before I knew it I'd had an hour and a quarter for lunch and returned to my desk feeling very motivated, enthused and very much in awe of her plans. I can't tell you what they are - its not for me to do so, but what she wants to do is VERY huge and could change people's lives. I'm secretly hoping she'll need an extra pair of hands because its very exciting.

Helpful colleague is forming a very important part of the support network that I am creating, but I feel as though I am taking up all of the time we share as its about me me me. SO, I'm pleased to find out that she has little experience of the internet and wants to start a blog. I'm more than happy to help with that.

She left me with some advice. And that was to get in touch with business Link. And then,

"stop worrying about my name - it will come to me - just keep asking the universe".