The Next Big Thing

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!