Announcing the name of my blog: That’s Coachable!

When I first started learning coaching skills, I played the part of the PBC (Person Being Coached) many times. It became clear early on that just about any topic can turn into a great coaching conversation.

Sometimes I like to play with this a bit. Just have someone say something random, like, “I think it’s going to snow this weekend”, then start improvising on that. Pretty soon I’m coaching that person on their need for an attitude adjustment on weather, or how they can make the best use of their time snowed in. It’s remarkable really.

So, if you’re not sure what to be coached on, come to the call anyway. Say something, say anything, and see how I respond!

Since I started coaching in 2009, I have had the privilege of being coached in probably hundreds of sessions on hundreds of topics. I consider much of my well-being and contentment right now is largely the result of coaching through issues in my life and taking action.

There was one very important session I had in December of 2017. My kids had grown up and graduated, so my second career as a homeschool teacher was officially over. “So,” I asked my coach, “What’s the next big thing for me?”

Now, that’s a great topic for a coaching call! To be honest, I already had a notion, but I needed the coach to walk me through it.

Coach: What would you love to do next?

Me: Well, it needs to be something that I enjoy and do well, something I can do from home with a flexible schedule, something that really builds into the life of others. That “something” must be coaching.

Coach: What’s the first step to make coaching your “next big thing”?

Me: I suppose I should get a credential and start practicing my coaching in earnest and on a daily basis. I already know a great place to get ICF accredited instruction.

Coach: When will you start?

Me: I’m going to talk it over with my wife, but I think she’ll be on board. I’ll start classes in January.

This is my recollection of the key points…there was a lot more exploring that we did. But after the call, I was feeling great and eager to move forward with my “next big thing”.

Now I’ve got my website, tools, business cards, and some really awesome classwork behind me. I’ve got a lot of different clients, with whom I’ve had the privilege of sharing in their new thinking and forward progress.

I recently heard on a podcast that life coaching as a career has an 85% rate of job satisfaction among practitioners. I believe it, and I’m excited to keep moving forward!