The Big Idea

Every once in a while, it's a good idea to step back from what you're doing and take stock of your goals, how far you have come and how far there is still to go.  I was thinking about that earlier as I collected dozens of Post-It notes and sheets of "printer accidents" covered with my scrawled shorthand, not to mention business cards I've been given at every turn.  2009 was a year of challenges, progress, intense learning, a few obstacles to overcome and a great sense of satisfaction.

When I began training, I had an instinct that coaching and I were made for each other. I had a few blips during that time, including the occasional crisis of confidence and family upset, but I kept my eye on the golden ball and kept going. I have no problem admitting that.  I'm human, imperfect and real. First and foremost, my desire was to replicate the type of one-to-one coaching I had received from my own coach.  She showed me how I got in my own way sometimes and stopped short of taking the next, scary step.  At the same time, she listened, questioned, inspired, challenged, paid attention, showed me who I thought I was and who I could be and supported me.  I wanted nothing more than the satisfaction of working personally with individual clients and the reward of seeing my clients spread wings and fly.

Now, a couple of years down the line, I have a few projects on the boil that will take my fertility coaching to a wider audience. I've got my Your Great Life coaching practice and new office space. I'm working with the principals of a great company in the U.S., Circle + Bloom, to give the buyers of their mind/body audio program for fertility the additional support of a fertility coach.  I'm giving service to others through the North London Miscarriage Support Group I lead monthly.  I'm blogging nearly every day now, after a very slow start in the beginning of 2009 and I really enjoy the writing.  I'd like to do more of it on a professional basis, so watch this space for an announcement on that front. I'm planning my 2010 workshops and also have been invited to participate in other people's workshops. 

The brain of that coach who only wanted to do one-to-one work is absolutely swimming with big, huge, exciting and enormous ideas. Over the past few months, I have personally vetted a dozen complementary therapists who support wellbeing as it relates to fertility and family-building.  Not only do we have mutual interests, but also, I can include them in my plans to bring you the best resources to enhance your health, fertility, self-belief, relationships and your vision of your future life.

These days, I visit countless blogs every month; reading about the brave fight many women (and couples) have regarding their infertility, news of medical and legal progress regarding reproductive health and the fertility industry, women, relationships, adoption and the meaning of life.  There's a thriving and connected community of bloggers out there, who each bring something unique and quite personal to the public domain that is the internet. I'm constantly learning about what women and infertile people want, need, can't find, fight for, deserve, cry over, laugh at and celebrate. Creating a family seems so fundamental a purpose in life that it should be easy, unencumbered by the weight of infertility. My intent is to provide the tools that they need to get what they want and where they want to go.

One last point: People who are familiar with coaching, know that "goal" is the big buzzword.  A dictionary definition of a goal is "an aim; the end towards which effort is directed."  I've decided to use the word intent instead, using it to mean "a purpose; the state of mind with which an act is done." They are both correct, but intent fits me better, giving not only the end meaning, but the journey as well. 

I'd like to know what your intent (or goal) is for 2010. You can leave it as a comment.

If you found this interesting, you may want to read I Admit It; I Did It, 03/01/10

Comments

[PaulinaWhelan]

Hi Lisa,
I was really interested to read your post. Sharing your journey shows how much can be achieved in a very short space of time. Inspiring stuff!
Paulina.

[Lisa]

Hi Paulina,

While it was relatively short-lived, I did get value out of our Mastermind Group last winter. I needed to take a big step to get from recent coaching graduate to full-fledged coach/businesswoman. The group's generosity with ideas and feedback was great. I can see now, though, that the transition had to come from within me. I had a "lightbulb" moment and haven't stopped since then.

It's a shame we don't live closer, as I would be right there with you at those dance classes you've been at. Thanks for visiting and your comment. I hope you'll come back...

"See" you on Twitter, Lisa