"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation in her voice was evident as we scheduled a time to meet and discuss her new fund raising project. This client had a gigantic goal. She also needed lots of information in order to begin.
It was her first attempt at charitable fund raising. She was also the first client I had coached who had a fund raising goal. However, she was determined, and I was ready.
I had been involved with fund raising for years and had made countless phone calls on behalf of charitable projects. I had written grants and worked with many community groups and committees.
Although I had worn various "hats", I would spend most of my time doing what I was best at-speaking to potential contributors face to face. Now I sensed that this person's strength would also be face-to-face contact. This startled me at first, and I thought, "How in the world would I know that?"
Then it dawned on me; something more had been happening all these years that I had not once stopped to consider. I could share what had worked, had not worked, and what might work depending on the motive and personality of the potential supporter. I could also recognize a particular passion for working directly with people.
I had not simply been doing volunteer work. I now know that I was creating a contribution of another kind-experience. I could not give all the answers, but I had some good "clues." It was the right time to share them.
All of us have had valuable life experiences. Have you traveled or had a hobby? Have you been a student, a teacher, a parent, a project leader, an employer, or an employee? Have you worked with animals, people, autos, planes, trains, or teams?
The possibilities are endless. No one has experienced life exactly as you have. You are unique, and your contributions will be unique.
The voice of our experience is usually silent. It does not remind us that we are soaking up life's lessons as we take the kids to school, talk on the phone, visit our friends, drive through the mountains, or walk along the beach.
However, it will speak when the time is right. It will guide us-with the right words-in offering our contributions.
We need not try to be perfect; we will not make it that far in this world. However, if we make the best contributions we are capable of making, life will give its best back to us.
© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Many of us will do anything to avoid another's anger,... Read More
Life coaching has become fashionable in recent years and there... Read More
Why are you in business? Hopefully you enjoy what you... Read More
Leaders today have many challenges when it comes to guiding... Read More
Viewpoints! Everyone has them and they are personal. However, when... Read More
Jim, a 42-year old engineer was teaching his eight-year-old son... Read More
I was talking to one of my coaching clients and... Read More
Although many of us use self-help tools like affirmations, visualizations,... Read More
"Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee... Read More
Terms like Postpartum, Post Traumatic and Post Gulf War are... Read More
In the Charles Dickens classic, "The Christmas Story", Scrooge is... Read More
Many people use their sofa and TV to help them... Read More
There is a Buddhist saying that goes like this: "If... Read More
I'll never forget what my mentor told me: "Don't communicate... Read More
The underground train in London can get you anywhere when... Read More
At a time when the global economy is bringing innovation,... Read More
Three steps to your Personal Transformation:Awareness and PerceptionLaw of Cause... Read More
Many business coaches deny the power of suggestion while using... Read More
Allen consulted with me because his wife of 18 years... Read More
When I was first introduced to the profession of personal... Read More
No matter how wonderful you are sometimes other people will... Read More
Imagine for a moment one of those nights when you... Read More
"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation... Read More
The naked truth of person is that we are still... Read More
Someone I know wants to move into another job in... Read More
Suppose that the human mind is nothing more than a... Read More
An recent article in Money Magazine said that "A coach... Read More
Having worked with individuals, couples, families and business partners for... Read More
As a coach that specializes in marriage, couples and family... Read More
Sometimes it is helpful to review several of the basic... Read More
Coaching is an effective process used to support individuals in... Read More
OK, so it wasn't quite that big of a deal.... Read More
What are you thinking - right now? 'I'm reading your... Read More
Most people have no idea where their money goes. They... Read More
Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she... Read More
So, you're ready to start coaching. You either have some... Read More
WHAT'S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?Think tools are just for builders and... Read More
Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further... Read More
If you are wondering whether investment in executive coaching would... Read More
Are you one of those folks that needs to figure-it-out... Read More
Perhaps no one better than a former U.S. president has... Read More
Have you ever thought about what really creates self-esteem? Having... Read More
Back in the 1920's when Polish-American entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang invented... Read More
Recently at a Pharmaceutical meeting in Europe, one of the... Read More
Have you ever noticed geese flying overhead, whether that be... Read More
It's four weeks away and you don't have any plans.... Read More
Remember that Coke contest from the 80s? If you collected... Read More
We demand more from those who provide to us and... Read More
I was talking to one of my coaching clients and... Read More
Can you hear your compassion? It's time to crank it... Read More
Coaching Coaching |
|