When we set out to achieve a goal, go after a dream, or start a new project (for example, a new business), we usually have a vision of the ideal outcome and/or the purpose. It's important to get very clear about your vision, and share it with someone who believes in you and supports your vision. I've always stressed the importance of protecting your dream from the "doubters" and nay-sayers, and surrounding yourself with people who are positive and supportive of your dreams and goals. Sharing your vision with someone who really "gets it" is like buying an insurance. When you encounter roadblocks on your way to success and feel discouraged, having someone who holds your vision and supports you, could make all the difference between giving up and arriving victoriously at the finish line.A professional life or business coach can help you crystalize your vision and goals, push you out of your comfort zone, create action plans, hold you accountable, keep you motivated, and cheer you on, until you reach your goals. A good coach would also help you recognize and leverage your strengths, and remind you when you forget. Recently I coached a fellow professional coach who told me he was thinking of finding another job, because he felt so overwhelmed by several business, personal and financial issues. I was quite surprised to hear that since this is a seasoned, successful coach who brings in a 6-figure income from his coaching business. He's got the intelligence, professional knowledge & skills, years of experience, and a heart of gold. This is a guy who has a proven track record that he can make things happen against all odds. If he were to quit, I don't know who else could make it. After acknowledging and validating his situation & feelings, I told him what I saw as his strengths and reminded him of his past success. Then, I reminded him of his vision for his coaching business (and for this particularly challenging project), which he had shared with me before. Once I helped him re-affirm his vision and commitment, he was back to his old self again. Then, we were able to move into action steps he could take for the coming week.
Imagine if he had no one there for him, at his weakest moment, what would've happened? If this happened to you, who could you turn to?
If you have a professional life or business coach in your corner, congratulations! You've got a great advantage. If hiring a coach is not an option for you, you could also get the support you need from a mastermind group, a mentor, or a friend or family who could hold your vision for you and hold you accountable. If you belong to a mastermind group, I hope you share your vision with your group, and let everyone know the kind of support you need. Remember, the key to getting what you want, is to ask for what you want.
It's an amazing feeling to have someone who believes in you and your vision. Knowing that someone believes in your and thinks highly of you, makes you want to try harder and be the best you can be. When the going gets tough, that might be just the thing that gets you through the dark night before dawn.
Labels: accountability, coaching, commitment, getting support, goal-setting, mastermind, personal development, success
