WHAT IS PERSONAL COACHING?

• Personal coaching is the next evolution beyond consulting and counseling. It's for healthy people who want to shine up some area of their lives that isn't working quite the way they want it to.

• Some people never get it. You can have it right now, and enjoy many years as your best, fulfilled self, instead of bogged down in frenzy, frustration, or that vague is-this-all-there-is feeling.

• People hire a coach because they want more of some things (money, time, connection, passion, fulfillment) and less of others (procrastination, frustration, delays, worry, stress).

• A personal coach is a trained partner, guide, life strategist, and sometimes behavior modification partner. Working with a coach can propel you toward your goals at a much faster rate than you'd go on your own, and with a lot more fun along the way.

MEET SOME TYPICAL CLIENTS

Education Executive

What did she want?

To take care of herself during a horrendous upheaval and multiple scandals in her big-city school district. To learn how to handle difficult people and situations. To rediscover what her deep passions were and are. To create a plan for activating her lifelong dream.

What did she get?

Survived the downsizing and political machinations without getting hooked in. Went after and got her ideal job, away from the infighting -- a virtual entrepreneurial position that allows her to make a significant difference in the lives of teachers and students. Designed a concrete, year-by-year plan for creating her dream -- a retreat center in the part of the country she loves best. She is already researching property there.

Freelance Writer with ADD

What did she want?

Initially, to get her house uncluttered and write an article for a major magazine about the experience of having me coach her. [Family Circle's Personal Planner 2000] Also to improve her relationship with her beloved husband, on whom she had become too dependent -- it was easier to let him solve problems, instead of solving them herself.

What did she get?

As we went along, she recommitted to herself and her freelance writing, and got calmer and much better organized. (She is strongly ADD.) She completely revamped her home office, buying a paper shredder after backing up important drafts of her writing on Zip disks. Later reorganized her whole house. Eventually turned her office into a lovely studio with new bookcases and French doors onto a little garden. Took hold and solved problems she would ordinarily have turned over to her husband, including dead car battery and crashed computer. Reconnected to him as an equal and re-impassioned lover.

Multi-Credentialed Professional Man

What did he want?

Initially, more self-esteem and self-confidence in a new job as an attorney. Also to devote more time and and attention to his wife and sons. Then he wanted career coaching to find a job in which he could hit on all his professional cylinders -- CPA, lawyer, and e-architect.

What did he get?

We handled the self-confidence issues in just a few coaching sessions, as he came to realize that he had every reason to feel less knowledgeable than seasoned middle-aged counterparts, because he WAS less knowledgeable, i.e., less experienced, and that was fine. Handled the recommitment to his family in one breakthrough session. We brainstormed about outings and innings he could have with them, fun and joy. He implemented the ideas immediately and is still doing so a year later. He is now in a six-figure job that's exactly what he wants and gives him a long career ladder. He will be House Counsel within a few months. He has bought a half-million dollar house before he even sold the first one -- is earning enough money to make both mortgage payments. Most importantly, he's happy at home and at work.

Multi-Credentialed Business Owner and Mother

What did she want?

She's a CPA and lawyer, the mother of twin toddler girls, and co-owner with her husband of a financial planning company. Was overwhelmed and feeling guilty about everything she wasn't doing perfectly. Reluctant to delegate responsibility. Overworked, over committed, over responsible, overextended.

What did she get?

She now runs her company like an executive, not a Pleaser as she had done before. We rehearsed her confrontations with a belligerent employee, set down ground rules for meetings. She uses timers and tiny alarm clocks to help her set limits on her own time. Has hired many more employees. Appointed a highly effective office manager, and so is buffered from needy employees. Takes Mondays off, plans to add Thursdays soon. She's in charge of her life now.

Very Pregnant Physician

What did she want?

She is a practicing physician in Europe. She wanted to complete her dissertation before her second child was born (5 weeks).

What did she get?

Many genuine disruptions kept getting in her way. She got more frustrated for a couple of weeks, then agreed to relax and enjoy her remaining time. Had an easy delivery and is hugely enjoying her baby and his big sister. Is back to practicing medicine now, hasn't finished the dissertation and is OK with that. She was credential-obsessed and has now eased off. One day she'll finish the PhD, but she doesn't feel anxious about it any more. She is enjoying life.

What did they have in common?

All are intelligent, motivated, creative, have a good sense of humor, and were ready to work and change.

What else?

Each was/is willing to try new ideas, jettison old Shoulds, reconnect with loved ones, learn to listen to their inner wisdom and claim the life they really wanted.

What kind of coaching did they receive?

Career coaching plus self-awareness and personal growth.

What kind of relationship did we have?

With two of the women, ultimately a deep friendship. With the others, a relaxed, collegial one. Occasionally with all, an affectionate kick from their Accountability Coach.

To visit the Wiz, enter here

The Relationship Wiz

Home  |  Meet Roz  |  Take the Passion Quiz  |  Personal Coaching   |  Business Coaching
Fee Schedule  |  Power Up Your Life  |  How I Work  |  For Procrastinators  |  Roz Resources!

Certified Life Coach

Author of PASSION! Reclaiming The Fire In Your Heart

Professional Certified Coach of the International Coach Federation

Relationship Coach

Certified Life Strategist

Copyright ©1998-2006 Roz Van Meter All rights reserved.