After a recent coaching session with my client, she had this to say about our coaching together:
Prior to coaching, I didn’t think about what I wanted long-term. I’m always focused on what’s in front of me or a couple months ahead….I needed to make some time to focus on taking steps (even small steps) on things I’d like in my life in a year or more’s time. I now realize that I have been in survival mode for the last couple of years.
You have given me the opportunity and the prompts to reflect and to zoom out and see the big picture, which has been really good for me. I would not do this on my own. I’m either head-down IN my work, or I’m in “I don’t want to think about anything” mode. Your exercises for reflection are so beneficial to me and are helping me to create the life I want.
And that, my friends, sums up the benefits and value of coaching. You get the time and the space to reflect and broaden your view so that you can be more intentional in designing your life.
If you’re like me, it can be really easy to get caught up in the day-to-dayness of life… to get tangled in the weeds, or to get focused on what’s right in front of you. As a woman leader, you’ve no doubt worked your face off to get where you are. But at what cost? Too often women leaders give their lives away in service to others. Don’t get me wrong, service is a wonderful thing.
It’s just that giving your all to others as your default is not healthy. Consciously and intentionally serving is much more impactful.
Maybe we all have a tendency to drift into auto-pilot if we’re not careful. I certainly know what that’s all about.
But the problem is that you run the risk of waking up one day and realizing that 10 years (or more!) have gone by, and you haven’t even thought about what you’d like to have in your life.
As they say, the days are long, but the years are short.
You haven’t had the time or the space to dream or to think about what would light you up. You never catch your breath long enough to consider how you could best contribute your God-given gifts and talents to make an even bigger impact.
I didn’t want that for myself and I don’t want that for you.
I have always believed that to whom much is given, much is required. Having been blessed with an insatiable curiosity and a desire for continuous learning, I realized the value of ditching autopilot and living on purpose. I felt not only a responsibility, but a desire to share what I’ve learned with others. I have based my work-life coaching program on these principles.
Oh and BTW, finding more fulfillment and meaning in your life is not selfish. Remember that a more fulfilled leader is a more effective leader.
Your organization benefits BIG time! You’ll be more resilient and resourceful in the face of constant change and challenge.
Everyone who comes in contact with you will benefit as a result of you doing this work on yourself. It’s personal AND professional development on steroids!
They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
It’s never too late to live and lead by choice rather than by chance.
I’m pretty sure you want to do more than survive. You want to thrive and flourish.
If you’d like to learn more about coaching with me, schedule your complimentary clarity call with me today!
Lastly, ask yourself where you’ll be a year from now if you don’t make any changes in the way you’re living and leading.
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The Best-Kept Secret of High Performing Teams
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Jennifer Ledet, CSP, is a leadership consultant and professional speaker (with a hint of Cajun flavor) who equips leaders from the boardroom to the mailroom to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication. In her customized programs, leadership retreats, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions, she guides leaders to live and lead by choice, not chance.
