Need to get Unstuck? Ask yourself this one EASY Question

Donald Miller, marketing guru and author of Building a Story Brand says plainly, “If you confuse, you lose”. I seriously LOVE everything about this message. In his podcasts, and his Business Made Simple videos, his message is consistent, clear and makes for good life lessons.

In a recent Business Made Simple video, Miller suggests you use the following approach to clear up confusion, and simplify your business making decisions… 

Complete the following two sentences:

The unfortunate truth about this situation is ________________________.

Therefore, the right action to take is _____________________________.

Years ago, I got myself UNSTUCK, by making changes towards a more fulfilling career. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was my own first coaching client! Had I followed Miller’s approach, and asked myself those two questions, here’s what I would have said:

The unfortunate truth about working here is…

This company has no corporate culture. Every decision that gets made is only to the short-term benefit of senior leadership, and not the rest of the employees.

Therefore, the right action to take is…

Resign from this job, that conflicts with my morals and ethics. Instead, I will devote all of my talent, and energy, to my jewelry business, full-time.

In the end, everything worked out the way it was supposed to. I left that company. Eventually, I did go full-time in my jewelry business. This year, I opened my second business, a career coaching practice. Both businesses bring me so much joy and fulfillment. It takes courage, encouragement and some planning to ask and answer Donald Miller’s two questions, but imagine your life’s possibilities if you can.

I am here to be your guide, and to help you get UNSTUCK. Together we can make the changes you desire. Call me today at 708-R U STUCK (708-787-8825) or email [email protected].

4-Key Steps to a Productive Coaching Session

Have you ever wondered…

How does one-on-one coaching work?

How do I come away with actionable steps after a single session?

Would it work for me?

Coaching helps you move towards change, more quickly than you  might have on your own, with accountability and specific action steps.

Below is the framework of a typical coaching session:

  1. Each time we meet, you decide what you want out of the meeting and I keep you on track to make sure you get what you want. Your agenda is the only agenda that matters. If your agenda changes during another session, that’s perfectly ok too.
  1. You talk, and I listen, intently. If I don’t understand, I’ll ask for clarification. Think about how often someone truly listens to you, with your agenda in mind, to determine actionable steps that move you towards your desired outcome. It’s very powerful, and it feels really good to be heard.
  1. Together, we come up with at least one action step you’re going to take, to move you towards your goal. Sometimes, it’s something quick and easy. This can feel super motivating. Sometimes, it’s one step, of a multi-step plan. It’s not necessary to have the whole plan in place before taking action. Often, you  can’t even make the plan until you get started.
  1. Lastly, you decide on a deadline to complete the action step, and you commit to letting me know once you’ve completed it. I make a note and hold you accountable for getting it done.

Imagine your life’s possibilities, when, each time we meet, you take another step toward achieving that thing, that has eluded you thus far. It’ll feel pretty amazing! At the conclusion of each meeting, I ask “what value did you get out of our meeting today?” because it’s important to recognize progress, even the smallest things.

Below is an example of a typical meeting:

Barb: What do you want out of our meeting today?

Client: I’d love to find new work. I don’t even know where to start.

You talk for a bit and tell me about your current situation, things that interest you, when you might want to make a move, things you know about making a change and things you don’t know. You also tell me you have an idea about the kind of work you might want to do.

Barb: Do you know anyone who does this kind of work?

Client: Yes, I do. 

Barb: Would it be helpful to talk to this person and learn more about working at this place?

Client: Yes, I trust this person and think talking to them in depth would be helpful.

Action/Accountability: You decide you will set up a meeting with this person who does the work you think you want to do. We agree that you will let me know when the meeting will be held, so that I can follow up with you. 

We don’t know what the outcome will be, and that’s ok. But we do know that you will have more information than before, moving you closer to your ultimate goal. 

To learn more about how coaching can work for you, and schedule your complimentary sample session, give me a call today at 708-R U STUCK (708-787-8825) or email me at [email protected]!