As many of you know, I am transitioning from a corporate legal career to developing a professional coaching business where, at least initially, I want to help professionals develop more passion and purpose in their careers and life. I also have a strong interest in working with executives and managers in companies and organizations to develop robust, brilliant leadership qualities that are values-based but also highly effective in achieving the organization's desired financial, business and other goals or results.
It is somewhat scary to put this intention out here so purposefully. I am concerned about whether I have what it takes to succeed. I am concerned about the stable income I have left to pursue a path that many can't do more than on a hobby level. But, I know that I have the innate talents and strengths to achieve my dream and I intend to do everything I can (with help from both earthly and spiritual sources) to achieve this dream. I am also blessed to have amazing support and encouragement from my husband and friends.
Why have I decided to make this transition? For a number of years I have contemplated making a major change in my professional life during my 40's. While I loved my legal career and will miss many people and certain things about it, I feel very strongly that I want to contribute something else during my lifetime. I also want to model some specific values to my children -- it's good to take some risks, a meaningful life is not just about having a secure job and cushy income but in being of service to others, we are not here to be isolated from one another but to connect with and help each other.
While attending the ICF (International Coaches Federation) International Conference in November, I had the privilege of participating in a unique experience with what I believe are the brightest and most authentic and engaged people on this planet. Coincidentally, I had recently done some journaling on what my aspirations, dreams, values and priorities were, and I realized that what I aspired to and wanted to share with others during my time on this planet -- to be a life-long learner, to use my compassion and listening skills and willingness to be "real" to help others, to continue to use my analytical and problem solving skills and my ability to bring clarity to information so as to make it more meaningful and understandable to others -- were wholly aligned with the coaching profession. What was also amazing is that even though I was in the presence of thousands of strangers, I felt instantly connected. I felt that these were "my people" and I wanted to start participating in the world in the same way that they were.
I have always been interested in personal growth and development to a large degree. But now I am on an accelerated path with the intent of developing a business that is centered on assisting others with their own personal and professional development. How am I going to do this? Well, I don't have all of the answers yet, but I know that the first step is to develop myself -- intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
A friend asked me the other day "what are your priorities?" I found the question difficult to answer in just a few short words. I wanted to say -- for the next 3 days, 3 months or 30 years? -- but failed to ask for this clarification. Author, career and life coach, Renee Trudeau, advocates doing personal retreats once a quarter to get clear on your priorities for the next 3 months. The purpose of doing this is so that you can organize your life to spend the majority of your time and energy on the people and things that matter most to you. If you consistently do this activity, then you will always be focusing your time and attention on what matters most to you -- what a concept, huh? It is amazingly simple advice that can't help but lead to increased satisfaction and balance in our lives; however, I used to resist this type of endeavor and suspect that the majority of people don't do this type of life planning. I realize now that I just wasn't ready to connect with who I really am and show up in my life in the most engaged and purposeful way. It takes courage to get quiet and crystalize for yourself what unique qualities you have, your values, your heart's greatest desires and how you want to share these with the important people and activities in your life. It's also really scary when you realize you don't have a clue, and it's tempting to just not try. But if you have a fundamental desire to figure out "who you are" and "what you want" then I can assure you there is a path to do it.
So, one of my priorities is to make regular time to get clear on what my priorities are. What am I doing to support this priority?
What are some of my other priorities for the first 3 months of 2008?
Are you embarking on a new beginning? What are your current priorities? I would love to hear about them and support you in your efforts to focus your valuable time and energy on them.
Teresa
teresawalden@sbcglobal.net
teresa@career-visions.net
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