Coaching along

I'm in my second month now as a BIKE coach. I have two clients, and it's going well. Despite the resistance--It's so hard to look inward--I love how people really can figure things out on their own. I've done it myself, but I now get the chance to see it from the other side. It's amazing, the power of the mind.

We all just need a little push sometimes, and people in the mainstream are recognizing that. That's why the coaching profession is seeing such huge growth rate right now. The ICF (International Coaches Federation) has certified more than 4,000 coaches worldwide, in 47 different countries--more than 500 credentialed since January 2008. It's something I'm looking into for myself now.

It just goes to show that we know we are not on this earth alone. We do need assistance now and then. And it's okay to ask for help.

This isn't therapy. It's not consulting (though either could be involved). It's assistance that helps a person set and meet his or her goals. The coach just helps the client figure out solutions that will work best. There's a lot of questioning that takes place to get to the answers. But we all have them.

And we all have the ability to know how to solve our own dilemmas, to overcome our individual challenges, to move forward. We may just need that little push. My coaching technique does that for you; however, I combine that with my BIKE philosophy to help create a system that's always available and easily accessible to you, precisely when you need it. And if you forget, it's there to remind you. We all need those reminders as well.

If you're in need, right now, of help that can lead to problem solving in your life, maybe it's time you asked for help.

If so, post a comment. Maybe I can help. It not me, a referral might net you exactly what you need.

All my best,
Jackie

My first BIKE coaching client

I'm in my third week of coaching my first client (though this one's pro bono) on finding her own BIKE. It's going well. I'm amazed at the ease with with our conversation flows. She's in the Pacific Coast, and I'm here in Arizona, so this is all being done by phone.

But since we've been meeting like this, she's really moving along. And what's even better? She really is coming into her own solutions. No matter how stuck you might feel at any given moment, you really do know your own answers. It's just a matter of learning how to pay attention to your needs, your wants, your desires--and then defining your goals to fit your true self. When your goals match your values, you're going to have an easier time of getting there, because you'll use the systems and processes that work best for you or that you automatically find yourself moving toward. It's that awareness I've been talking about.

It's so important to know how your values play into your vision. When we forget that, or don't even bother to consider that, it becomes so easy to get lost. We might not even know where we're going. We just know to get up and do things. But we're doing it without awareness, or a sense of purpose.

Like makes so much more sense when you live it with purpose.

Your own special brand of BIKE, like mine, will help lead the way, if you let it. That doesn't mean you won't get lost, ever, or take detours. You probably will. That's what those pesky little challenges sometimes do to us. They get in the way, and we get sidetracked. But with BIKE, you'll find your way back to the path that's going to take you forward.

That path can be defined only by you. But I can help. If you'd like to talk to me about that, shoot me an e-mail.

All my best,
Jackie

Just jump in

In May, during the first blogathon, I announced a contest where I decided to give away four months of free BIKE coaching. A few of you took me up on it, and I began work with my first coaching client yesterday. I'll start with another two in August. There's a fourth client out there that I have yet to reconnect with, but I know where she is and plan to follow up shortly.

Till then, I'm excited about starting this new career move and being able to help someone else overcome the obstacles that seem to be holding her back. Over the course of the next few months, hopefully, she'll be able to look closely at the deterrants in her life so she can make more conscious-living choices. That's what BIKE is about--making conscious choices, taking responsibility, eliminating the excuses, and living the life that you deserve.

We can live a life without all of this, but I don't think it's going to be your best. I think you're more apt to settle for less than you deserve if you decide to just get by. And it's so easy to do that. Without even realizing it, we do that. Just get by. There's just no fun in that. There's little forward movement involved in that. And it's not going to be very exciting, either. Today, it's time for you to decide what you want out of life. Pick up the phone and call someone you know to help you reach your goals. If you're not sure who to call, hire a coach.

Some of the conscious-living choices I've made in the last few years:

_To focus my writing work on at least two areas: self-help and travel. I am doing that successfully now, not only with my two blogs but also with the assignments that I'm pitching and selling.

_To write and/or sell three books in three years. I've sold one. I have another in consideration. And the third is still in the planning stages. I'm on my way.

_To teach my BIKE Lessons. I am doing that also. I taught one four-week course at a homeless shelter this year and hope to return again in the fall. And now I've just begun the coaching sessions. I am working next to better promote my keynote BIKE presentations and look into coaching certification and thank Debra Exner--a certified coach--for her referrals and loaning me a book that is helping me understand the industry and do the best job as I begin this new phase in my career.

I have learned that when I want to do something, that when it's my passion, it's a lot easier to just jump in.

So that's what I'm doing. That's the reason for this July blogathon. When you really want to do something that you know might make a difference, don't sit on it. Just jump right in and begin the process.

For your conscious-living choice today, I hope you decide to make it a great day!

All my best,
Jackie

Let the BIKE coaching begin!

Given that there were an easy four readers interested in my BIKE coaching to start, I'd love to hear from all four of you. I've decided to give it a whirl and work with all four of you -- one-on-one. For one thing, I could use the testimonials to get my coaching career off the ground. And secondly, I'm excited to show you the power behind the pedals of what will soon be your very own BIKE.

I'll try to connect with you this week to begin setting up our one-on-one sessions and to discuss the process and how much time you can spend with me, and vice versa. I'm in the midst of a book project that will limit my time in these next two months, so it may be slow going at first. And if you can wait till mid-August, all the better. But if you will, please post a comment with your contact information. Otherwise, for those of you who know how to reach me direct, please do.

I look forward to hearing from you!
Jackie