In my article on SMART goals I described the elements of a goal.
Another part of designing a goal is the concept of Designing from the Future.
You can see an example of this at: http://davebrownstrust30.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-25-call-to-arms.html
A description of this process and concept will come.. stay tuned ;)
Yay I have a fan!
I'm so happy!!! I just got my first comment from a completely random person out there on the net!!
After about 6 months of posting into a vacuum, I can't tell you how great it feels to have someone drop by with an acknowledgement like this :)
I've now got the energy and motivation to write one more post! :D
Thank you Motorcyle Helmet!
Wow i read your blog, its really amazing and something different from others, you have done a nice work thanks. Carry on
Motorcycle helmet
After about 6 months of posting into a vacuum, I can't tell you how great it feels to have someone drop by with an acknowledgement like this :)
I've now got the energy and motivation to write one more post! :D
Thank you Motorcyle Helmet!
How do I set a goal?
People generally set goals because they are not satisfied with where they are at in their lives. They see a gap between what they want and what they have.
For example, you may be unemployed, so you have zero income. But you want to have money. There is a gap between what you have and what you want.
There are many tools out there to help with goal setting; the most common approach is to make them S.M.A.R.T.
As coaches we often simplify this further to: a goal is your what by when.
Specific - You must be able to clearly state: what you are going to achieve.
Bad example: I will do something.
Good example: I will earn money.
Measurable - How will you know when you have achieved your goal? What metric will you use?
Bad example: I will earn some money.
Good example: I will earn $500.
Attainable - Is the goal within your reach at this time with your present skills and resources? If you answered 'no', it is perfectly fine to set a longer term goal, but you must understand that there are probably smaller steps and goals involved. To build self esteem, set goals that are just out of reach, not goals that require huge leaps. The big leaps are made by lots of little steps.
Bad example: I will earn $50000. (this is a "bad example" if you do not have the skills or capability to jump from zero to this figure)
Good example: I will earn $500.
Realistic - Can you realistically achieve this goal? Are you capable of and willing to do the work involved to achieve the goal?
Bad example: I will earn $500,000,000. (if you have the knowledge and means to do this, please email me!)
Good example: I will earn $500.
Time-bound - Specify a time-frame. This is your deadline. Note, it too should be attainable and realistic.
Bad example: I will earn $500 one day.
Good example: I will earn $500 by the end of this month.
Even better example: I will earn $500 by January 31, 2012.
A life coach would take this several steps farther, including taking you through a visioning process which would look like this:
Imagine yourself, sitting in your room on January 31, 2012. Imagine how you feel. Can you see the money in your hands or in your bank statement? Actually put yourself in that time.
When you are there, look back at what you did to achieve that goal. What major steps did you take? What sub-steps did you make?
But the first step is to define what it is you want.
... to be continued....
See more at Designing from the Future
For example, you may be unemployed, so you have zero income. But you want to have money. There is a gap between what you have and what you want.
There are many tools out there to help with goal setting; the most common approach is to make them S.M.A.R.T.
As coaches we often simplify this further to: a goal is your what by when.
Bad example: I will do something.
Good example: I will earn money.
Measurable - How will you know when you have achieved your goal? What metric will you use?
Bad example: I will earn some money.
Good example: I will earn $500.
Attainable - Is the goal within your reach at this time with your present skills and resources? If you answered 'no', it is perfectly fine to set a longer term goal, but you must understand that there are probably smaller steps and goals involved. To build self esteem, set goals that are just out of reach, not goals that require huge leaps. The big leaps are made by lots of little steps.
Bad example: I will earn $50000. (this is a "bad example" if you do not have the skills or capability to jump from zero to this figure)
Good example: I will earn $500.
Realistic - Can you realistically achieve this goal? Are you capable of and willing to do the work involved to achieve the goal?
Bad example: I will earn $500,000,000. (if you have the knowledge and means to do this, please email me!)
Good example: I will earn $500.
Time-bound - Specify a time-frame. This is your deadline. Note, it too should be attainable and realistic.
Bad example: I will earn $500 one day.
Good example: I will earn $500 by the end of this month.
Even better example: I will earn $500 by January 31, 2012.
A life coach would take this several steps farther, including taking you through a visioning process which would look like this:
Imagine yourself, sitting in your room on January 31, 2012. Imagine how you feel. Can you see the money in your hands or in your bank statement? Actually put yourself in that time.
When you are there, look back at what you did to achieve that goal. What major steps did you take? What sub-steps did you make?
But the first step is to define what it is you want.
... to be continued....
See more at Designing from the Future
Dolphin Rescue @ Oyster Bay
A big thank you and congratulations to all you dolphin-saving heroes! I was so inspired to see so many caring people out there today. You're all amazing!
I got to the scene at about 8:30am, and the work was well under way. The mud in the flats made the efforts to bring in fresh sea water tricky, but I got to work lugging water as soon as I could.
It wasn't long before tarps had arrived, and a group of about 20 people formed to transfer each dolphin into the tarp, then as a group carried them one by one about 500 meters to the open water. Not an easy walk, that's for sure! The flats at Oyster Bay are full of debris -- chunks of wood, re-bar, you name it -- and the mud was up to a meter deep in places.
By about 9:30am, there had to have been 50+ people there, all chipping in however they could. With all that help, it didn't take long to get all four dolphins back to the sea.
By 10:30am, most people were starting to leave.
The dolphins looked tired and stressed from the ordeal, but I watched them swim away.
I hope we'll see them again some day out in the open water :)
BTW, if anyone has photos or videos other than the ones I included from the news, please let me know where to find them. I will remember this day forever, but would love to have some more pics for the grand kids!
I got to the scene at about 8:30am, and the work was well under way. The mud in the flats made the efforts to bring in fresh sea water tricky, but I got to work lugging water as soon as I could.
It wasn't long before tarps had arrived, and a group of about 20 people formed to transfer each dolphin into the tarp, then as a group carried them one by one about 500 meters to the open water. Not an easy walk, that's for sure! The flats at Oyster Bay are full of debris -- chunks of wood, re-bar, you name it -- and the mud was up to a meter deep in places.
By about 9:30am, there had to have been 50+ people there, all chipping in however they could. With all that help, it didn't take long to get all four dolphins back to the sea.
By 10:30am, most people were starting to leave.
The dolphins looked tired and stressed from the ordeal, but I watched them swim away.
I hope we'll see them again some day out in the open water :)
BTW, if anyone has photos or videos other than the ones I included from the news, please let me know where to find them. I will remember this day forever, but would love to have some more pics for the grand kids!
Thank you everyone!
A big hug and Thank you! to everyone who made it Friday evening!! It was an awesome event, and an incredible success for me. I am so honored to have had you all there to share in one of my biggest steps towards launching my coaching and speaking career.
For those that couldn't make it, I promise there will be many, many more opportunities for us to get together in the very near future :)
For those that couldn't make it, I promise there will be many, many more opportunities for us to get together in the very near future :)
Why come to the workshop on June 24?
Hi all, thank you to those who have let me know whether or not you can make it.
The June 24 workshop still has space... I realize that there are so many events and workshops out there, and everybody is asking for your money.
I'm wondering what I can do to make this more compelling for you or somebody you know. I know this event is going to be worth the small investment of your time and money -- what can I do to have you understand what I know in my core?
Here's a short story about how the Project Design has helped me.
You know that I studied Engineering, right? You also know that I was working at CSA last year. What you may not know is that last year I had to leave because I was on the edge of committing suicide.
It's a long and hard story that brought me to that point, and some day I will share it with you if you want to hear it, but I came to a point where I knew I had to make a difficult choice -- quit a decent paying job in the hopes of finding what I really cared about, or continue to fight at that job. I had struggled at CSA for 5 years, trying to make it work, trying to give myself the time to find my passion.
When I quit, I was happy. But I went another 4 months without really knowing what to do next, or how to get there.
I had already invested about 10 years working with different counselors and self-study, but there was still a piece missing.
When I met my coach, Tracey Pitts, I was finally able to discover for myself what was missing, and how to go about getting it.
Since we began working together in December, I have figured out my next career move, I have put together a plan to implement, and I have succeeded in getting my first paying client in my new career.
I have done this in only 6 months. I spent 10 YEARS struggling to find this answer. That time was an important part of my path of growth, but in retrospect, so much pain and suffering could have been avoided if I had met Tracey earlier.
She coached me through using the Project Design -- it was one of the key tools, along with her support and education, that has taken me from sensing what I wanted to do in life to actually DOING the things I want to do.
I am not trying to sell a quick answer -- finding your purpose and meaning in life takes time. I needed 35 years, with a solid 10 years of intense difficulty to get to this point. But I have learned that there are things that make the process much easier -- and that is what I am want to make you aware of.
I have spent more than $10,000 in counseling and education (not to mention the LOST revenue from not being engaged or happy for 10 years) since completing my Engineering degree: my coach and I are offering a tool and thought process that, for a tiny investment of $65 and 2 hours of your time, will literally change your life.
You will get moving. You will define a vision. You will define milestones and SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) actions and goals to get you to whatever it is that you want to create.
I know you're heading into vacation time -- why not get your brain primed and ready to work on something you are really passionate about during those holidays?
Thanks for reading. I really hope to see you at the workshop.
June 24, 6pm. Sundance Java Bar
~Dave
The June 24 workshop still has space... I realize that there are so many events and workshops out there, and everybody is asking for your money.
I'm wondering what I can do to make this more compelling for you or somebody you know. I know this event is going to be worth the small investment of your time and money -- what can I do to have you understand what I know in my core?
Here's a short story about how the Project Design has helped me.
You know that I studied Engineering, right? You also know that I was working at CSA last year. What you may not know is that last year I had to leave because I was on the edge of committing suicide.
It's a long and hard story that brought me to that point, and some day I will share it with you if you want to hear it, but I came to a point where I knew I had to make a difficult choice -- quit a decent paying job in the hopes of finding what I really cared about, or continue to fight at that job. I had struggled at CSA for 5 years, trying to make it work, trying to give myself the time to find my passion.
When I quit, I was happy. But I went another 4 months without really knowing what to do next, or how to get there.
I had already invested about 10 years working with different counselors and self-study, but there was still a piece missing.
When I met my coach, Tracey Pitts, I was finally able to discover for myself what was missing, and how to go about getting it.
Since we began working together in December, I have figured out my next career move, I have put together a plan to implement, and I have succeeded in getting my first paying client in my new career.
I have done this in only 6 months. I spent 10 YEARS struggling to find this answer. That time was an important part of my path of growth, but in retrospect, so much pain and suffering could have been avoided if I had met Tracey earlier.
She coached me through using the Project Design -- it was one of the key tools, along with her support and education, that has taken me from sensing what I wanted to do in life to actually DOING the things I want to do.
I am not trying to sell a quick answer -- finding your purpose and meaning in life takes time. I needed 35 years, with a solid 10 years of intense difficulty to get to this point. But I have learned that there are things that make the process much easier -- and that is what I am want to make you aware of.
I have spent more than $10,000 in counseling and education (not to mention the LOST revenue from not being engaged or happy for 10 years) since completing my Engineering degree: my coach and I are offering a tool and thought process that, for a tiny investment of $65 and 2 hours of your time, will literally change your life.
You will get moving. You will define a vision. You will define milestones and SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) actions and goals to get you to whatever it is that you want to create.
I know you're heading into vacation time -- why not get your brain primed and ready to work on something you are really passionate about during those holidays?
Thanks for reading. I really hope to see you at the workshop.
June 24, 6pm. Sundance Java Bar
~Dave
Complete Facing (and Fearing) #trust30 article
Just finished writing an article about my fears, and guess what comes up? A solution :)Facing (and Fearing) by Dan Andrews
Greatness appeals to the future. If I can be firm enough to-day to do right, and scorn eyes, I must have done so much right before as to defend me now. Be it how it will, do right now. Always scorn appearances, and you always may. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Trusting intuition and making decisions based on it is the most important activity of the creative artist and entrepreneur. If you are facing (and fearing) a difficult life decision, ask yourself these three questions:
1) “What are the costs of inaction?” I find it can be helpful to fight fear with fear. Fears of acting are easily and immediately articulated by our “lizard brains” (thanks Seth) e.g. what if I fail? what if I look stupid? If you systematically and clearly list the main costs of inaction, they will generally overshadow your immediate fears.
2) “What kind of person do I want to be?” I’ve found this question to be extremely useful. I admire people who act bravely and decisively. I know the only way to join their ranks is to face decisions that scare me. By seeing my actions as a path to becoming something I admire, I am more likely to act and make the tough calls.
3) “In the event of failure, could I generate an alterative positive outcome?” Imagine yourself failing to an extreme. What could you learn or do in that situation to make it a positive experience? We are generally so committed to the results we seek at the outset of a task or project that we forget about all the incredible value and experience that comes from engaging the world proactively, learning, and improving our circumstances as we go along.
(Author: Dan Andrews)
So let me take one fear I have with regards to growing my fledgling coaching practice. I want to get out there and run free educational workshops to introduce locals to the idea of coaching, distinguish it from counseling, pass on some useful information, hopefully pick up some clients, but mainly help people get unstuck and bring passion back to their lives.
My fear? That I go out there and either nobody shows up, ever, or that they come and I somehow make them not like me or coaching and I kill my opportunity to ever have them as clients. I'm in a small town, so I believe every prospect/lead is important.
So let me run through the steps listed above.
1) Systematically and clearly list the main costs of inaction, they will generally overshadow your immediate fears.
Consequences of inaction:
- I never get to share my ideas with anyone (i.e. so not much changes in my life)
- My business will grow slowly: one person at a time.
- Maybe someone out there is waiting for ME to come find and help them but they are scared... what if their life is unfulfilled because they never met me?
- Missed opportunity -- who knows what else I'm missing but not 'getting out there'?
- I will have to go back to 'being an Engineer', which has become emotionally bankrupt for me.
I've written this and re-written this, but I will write it again:
I am making a positive impact on other people and their lives. I contribute to the betterment of my community and my world. I spend my time in the realm of possibility and serve as a beacon for others who have lost their way.I want to be a resource to others, a beacon, to help guide them through to rediscover their greatness. I want to demonstrate to my friends, family, community, country and world that you can actually live your dreams, that money does not have to be a barrier to life, that nobody has to do work they hate just to survive, and that counseling, coaching, nutrition and physical training can be made available and accessible to all.
3) “In the event of failure, could I generate an alternative positive outcome?”
Extreme failure would be: not making a dime as a coach. What could be a positive outcome? I guess I could use my failed experience as an example for other coaches -- this would be the 'what not to do' example. :) I could also then use it as an educational opportunity -- so if what I did didn't work, what do I need to learn: what do I need to be, do, have, (in that order) to make a coaching practice work?
Yeah, thanks Dan, that was helpful :)
Read more of my #trust30 articles as I come to an end of the 30 day challenge -- 30 days, 30 articles. woo-hoo!
Another great aritcle from Seth Godin
Dangerous (in a good way)
A path on the way to building a reputation:
If this is your reputation, what sort of projects and gigs will you find yourself getting? Not a good way to fit in, but an excellent way to be the one people seek out.
- When someone asks you a question, they get an answer bigger than they ever expected.
- When someone gives you a project, they get a plan scarier than they hoped for.
- When you take on a project, you finish it.
This article is courtesy of Seth Godin: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/06/dangerous-in-a-good-way.html
Read my latest #trust30 articles
http://davebrownstrust30.blogspot.com/
here's the complete article: complete #trust30 article
Just finished writing an article about my fears, and guess what comes up? A solution :)
So let me take one fear I have with regards to growing my fledgling coaching practice. I want to get out there and run free educational workshops to introduce locals to the idea of coaching, distinguish it from counseling, pass on some useful information, hopefully pick up some clients, but mainly help people get unstuck and bring passion back to their lives...
here's the complete article: complete #trust30 article
Are you overwhelmed with work...
http://db.tt/4b9kpyK
Who pays for the news media? -- Seth Godin
great article by Seth Godin...
Who pays for the news media?
It's easy to act as though the news media is something that is done to us. Some alien force, projected onto all of us, pushed out by them.
Of course, that's not true. It's something we buy, something we pay for.
We're paying for superficial analyses, talking points, shouting heads, *****gate of the moment, herd journalism and silly local urgencies instead of important international trends. We're paying for fast instead of good. We believe we're paying for hard questions being asked, but we're not getting what we're paying for....
read more at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/06/who-pays-for-the-media.html
Who pays for the news media?
It's easy to act as though the news media is something that is done to us. Some alien force, projected onto all of us, pushed out by them.
Of course, that's not true. It's something we buy, something we pay for.
We're paying for superficial analyses, talking points, shouting heads, *****gate of the moment, herd journalism and silly local urgencies instead of important international trends. We're paying for fast instead of good. We believe we're paying for hard questions being asked, but we're not getting what we're paying for....
read more at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/06/who-pays-for-the-media.html
A Chat with a Blues Legend
I just spent the last couple hours at the Campbell River Daybreak Rotary Wine and Blues Fest, featuring Russell Jackson and Kenny Wayne. Russell is one of the most amazing guitarists I've seen.
What an honor it was to listen and watch him up close and personal. But the intimate event gave me the amazing opportunity chat with both Russell and Kenny between sets.
Both men are incredibly laid-back (no surprise) and humble, full of stories and full of... what's the right word? Presence. Yeah, that's the word.
I think since I first watched Walk the Line, the story of Johnny Cash's life, and Ray, the story of Ray Charles, I've found myself feeling an intense kinship with performers. I guess it's because I feel there is a music within me, and I really look up to those people in the world who have put their heart and soul into their careers, to bring their personal music to the world.
In case you haven't been following my blog, I've begun to discover my music, and at present my medium for sharing it is as a coach and teacher. I've recently embarked on the journey of sharing myself and my story with others. But one of my biggest stumbling blocks is the perception I hold that my story and perspective is somehow invalid or inferior to the great motivators and coaches such as Anthony Robbins who have come before me.
As we chatted, I shared this fear with Russell and he told me something I will never forget. He told me that he loves a bunch of different musicians, older and younger. He doesn't fear what they do, he incorporates what he likes into his music. He takes a bit from what one guy does, and bit from another, puts it all together, and then puts HIS heart and soul into it and makes something new and unique.
And I got it. Yeah, that's what I'm doing. I'm taking what I've learned from all the books I've read, the teachers I've met, the speakers I've listened to, the movies I've watched and the experiences I've had, and I've put my heart into it. And now this is what you all get -- my take on Purpose, Vision, Meaning... you get my music.
This evening will not be one I forget. Thank you Rotary, Kenny and Russell for an amazing memory.
What an honor it was to listen and watch him up close and personal. But the intimate event gave me the amazing opportunity chat with both Russell and Kenny between sets.
Both men are incredibly laid-back (no surprise) and humble, full of stories and full of... what's the right word? Presence. Yeah, that's the word.
I think since I first watched Walk the Line, the story of Johnny Cash's life, and Ray, the story of Ray Charles, I've found myself feeling an intense kinship with performers. I guess it's because I feel there is a music within me, and I really look up to those people in the world who have put their heart and soul into their careers, to bring their personal music to the world.
In case you haven't been following my blog, I've begun to discover my music, and at present my medium for sharing it is as a coach and teacher. I've recently embarked on the journey of sharing myself and my story with others. But one of my biggest stumbling blocks is the perception I hold that my story and perspective is somehow invalid or inferior to the great motivators and coaches such as Anthony Robbins who have come before me.
As we chatted, I shared this fear with Russell and he told me something I will never forget. He told me that he loves a bunch of different musicians, older and younger. He doesn't fear what they do, he incorporates what he likes into his music. He takes a bit from what one guy does, and bit from another, puts it all together, and then puts HIS heart and soul into it and makes something new and unique.
And I got it. Yeah, that's what I'm doing. I'm taking what I've learned from all the books I've read, the teachers I've met, the speakers I've listened to, the movies I've watched and the experiences I've had, and I've put my heart into it. And now this is what you all get -- my take on Purpose, Vision, Meaning... you get my music.
This evening will not be one I forget. Thank you Rotary, Kenny and Russell for an amazing memory.
New Research Proves that CHOCOLATE IS BETTER THAN SEX!
Even though I'm frequently tempted to cheat on my wife with various chocolatey treats, I have to admit that I just made that claim up.
But how many of you jumped and clicked, hoping it were true? How many other offerings with grand promises do you jump on because you hope that they will fill the emptiness within you, give you a momentary lift of pleasure, or fulfill your dreams?
My mother chronically purchased lottery tickets. Always she would say, "if only we won that x million -- that would solve all our money problems!" I believe she faithfully purchased 1 or 2 tickets a week for at least 20 years. The most she ever won was $10.00.
When I'm sad, I seek out coffee or an espresso beverage. When I'm really sad, I go for the triple chocolate suicide cake. I really hope that it will make me happy. I know for sure where it will go if I don't exercise off the calories (my stomach :/)
What silly thing do you do to try to "make yourself happy"?
I'm sure you know that the thinking behind these actions are irrational, and if you're anything like me, you're just hoping for some relief from feeling down, or you're just hoping for .. well.. hope.
But wouldn't it be better to spend your time, money and effort on something that really has meaning to you? Rather than focus your hope on something like winning the lottery (1 in 13,983,816 chance of getting all 6 numbers in Lotto 649), isn't it better to devote your energy to something you can actually win at, whether that is serving your community (guaranteed), making a million dollars (in 2006 there were an estimated 8.7 million out of 6.5 billion = 1 in 747 millionaires), or writing a new story (guaranteed).
It makes more sense the second way, doesn't it? Did you notice as well that you have absolute control over whether or not you can achieve the last three goals? So why do we continue to place our hopes in things that we have no control over?
Why do you?
And a better question: what can you do about it?
Fear
I have an engineering degree, and I've been a coach, mentor, and teacher my whole life. I have struggled through depression, anxiety, suicidal thinking, stress, and more importantly, I have lived most of my life not knowing my Purpose. But now I know what it is. I know that I can help you to figure that out for yourself as well...
read more... http://davebrownstrust30.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-11-fear.html
my latest #trust30 article
What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?
(Author: Eric Handler)
I would tell those million my Vision and my Purpose which is:
I am making a positive impact on other people and their lives. I contribute to the betterment of my community and my world. I spend my time in the realm of possibility and serve as a beacon for others who have lost their way.I believe it IS possible for everyone to live their passion.... read more...
A sampling of today's Trust30 article.
.... read more at http://davebrownstrust30.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-7-five-years.html
What a fabulous topic! Our very own Back to the Future project! Where's my flux capacitor?!Five Years by Corbett Barr
There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?
(Author: Corbett Barr)
Considering that I was in the midst of high anxiety and severe depression in 2006, and unfortunately at times I was near suicide, I would have to say one simple thing to myself: You're going to make it!
.... read more at http://davebrownstrust30.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-7-five-years.html
Eliminate your Overwhelm -- learn to use the Project Design.
Hello Everyone! Are you overwhelmed with your work, stuck in your life, or ready for a new life and career? Well a great opportunity has come up! For months I have been asking my coach, Tracey Pitts, to come up to Campbell River and give a workshop, and she finally has time in her schedule!
Tracey has agreed to come deliver a workshop on one of the most powerful tools I've used during my coaching: the Project Design. We're planning to have her deliver a training session on June 24, 2011 at Sundance Java Bar in Willow Point.
Magic happened the day I called a coach for the very first time. The conversation that ensued was mind blowing and life changing. I just didn’t realize how blind I’d become to the possibilities that awaited for my life. That included becoming a coach myself. One of my favourite sayings is, “If not now, when? If not you, who?” Don’t wait any longer, call today to set up your introduction to coaching, together let’s discover who you are!
~Tracey Pitts
As a one-to-one coach she charges $160/hr, and regularly offers workshops and seminars for $100 per person. But because I have worked with her for so long, she has agreed to offer an amazing discount: the investment for the workshop will be $65 per person for a 2 hour, intimate (max 25 people) workshop. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
If you'd like more information, please contact me at any time: 250-923-9116|dave@dontdoubtdave.com
What is Coaching?
Check out the video on Anthony Robbins' site at http://www.tonyrobbins.com/coaching/ for an excellent explanation of what a life coach is and does.
~Dave Brown
~Dave Brown
Yay, I'm published!
Happy Bunny Clapping Pic (clipped to Polyvore.com)
As a volunteer with the Welcome Center of Campbell River, I had the pleasure of interviewing a number of incredible individuals who have chosen to relocate to rural Canada.
The articles I have written as a result of those interviews now appear at http://welcome2campbellriver.ca/en/success-stories. Check it out!
My Invitation
In the past ten years, I have suffered through depression, anxiety and panic attacks. In the process of figuring out what was "wrong with me", I have worked with:
- a Psychoanalyst,
- a Psychotherapist,
- a Psychiatrist,
- Several social workers,
- a Psychologist,
- a number of Registered Clinical Counselors,
- several Medical Doctors, including brain specialists and an ear, nose and throat specialist,
- an EMDR specialist, and
- a life coach
All of these professionals gave me something unique, and all contributed to my healing. There were three, however, that were the most transformational: the psychoanalyst, the EMDR specialist and the life coach.
My psychoanalyst, Zhang Siyi really began the process of cracking open the shell to look at who I really am.
My EMDR specialist, Janel Ball, MA (Counselling Psychology), RCC, did some serious healing work that really got me stable.
And my Life Coach, Tracey Pitts, got me unstuck and launched me into massive action and personal success.
I say all of this because I want you to know that there are many qualified people out there and they all do wonderful work. The challenge for you, however, is to find the right personal connection, learning environment and investment that works for you and your situation.
My guiding principle is that I will help anyone and everyone that I can. I always leave room within my business for discounted clients, pro bono (free) clients, and strategic alliances. So if you feel you could benefit from working with me, please do not hesitate to approach me with an offer.
Your options for working with me are:
For a $500 per month investment for four sessions per month (nominally 1 hour sessions, but the clock does not stop us if we are in the middle of something powerful), ongoing support, emergency in-the-moment coaching.
For a $50 investment you and I can have a discovery session to test out whether or not the relationship could be a match. Note that the $50 will be applied to your $500 investment should you decide to continue working with me.
For a $100 per person investment I offer two hour group workshops starting in Fall 2011. Note that if I need to travel outside of my local region I would need to discuss travel costs with you; as well, I am open to other options and offers.
*****My coach and I will be delivering an intimate (no more than 30 people) workshop in June 2011; we still have some seats left and we'd love to fill them. I am offering a discount to $65 per person for the remainder of this month.
I am developing a downloadable coaching package which will include audio and written coaching tips and tricks -- all of the things that got me through the last 10 years, and literally kept me from ending my life.
And of course, you can always come here, www.dontdoubtdave.com, for ongoing tips, advice and information. And you can always ask me questions via email at dave@dontdoubtdave.com
I have to emphasize that there is no pressure on you here. If you are at all interested in working with me, try out the discovery session for a $50, and if you do not find any value from the session, you will receive a complete refund.
And with any of the contracts we sign together, there will be options to terminate the arrangement.
I am here to help. I am here to be a powerful resource for you as you find your true passions in life. Let nothing be your barrier to your success.
~Dave, June 2011
My solution to feeling uncomfortable with charging fees for helping others.
There is something about the forest that enables me to make the connections I need to make in my brain. This afternoon I enjoyed an amazing walk in the forest at Canyon View, and as often happens, during the walk I received a flash of insight to a problem I have been deliberating over for a while.The dilemma I've been trying to resolve is about charging money as a life coach. My honesty and integrity is core to my being, and so I feel it is important for you to understand the struggle that I have faced in making a business out of coaching.
I realize that there are already many helping practitioners out in the world doing their thing and getting paid for it, but I've never felt right about using that precedent as a reason for me to charge money. But today I got the answer I needed, and I hope that it will be of service to you as you consider your own dilemmas with money.
You see, I always asked myself the question: why should anyone pay me money to be a coach? After all, it's not a 'real' job. And what value do I really offer?
But then in a flash of insight, the answer came to me so clearly: in the past 15 years I have invested thousands of hours as I struggled and suffered through my personal challenges, I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in counseling and coaching, and I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in post secondary education. And the thing is, I have not been paid for any of it.
So, I have invested time, money, blood, sweat and tears, and I have yet to be paid for it. So why not charge money for the service that I offer? Seems like a reasonable proposition when framed this way, doesn't it?
My next dilemma comes in terms of how can I charge high fees for my hourly service?
Well, this was pretty easy to answer once I thought about it in the right way. What is the most valuable thing that I can offer to anyone? Direct, one-to-one coaching.
It is the most valuable 'product' that I have to offer. And like any item in the world, it is subject to the laws of economics, supply and demand. The reality is, there is only one of me, and I only have 24 hours in a day to work. So this reality leads to a fee based upon those constraints.
However, I want to be able to help people as much as I can. So I can offer less "one-to-one'ness", but to a larger audience. hence, I will be offering group coaching and seminars.
I also do not want time and space to be a barrier, so I can offer web-based and print-based information.
And finally I do not want money to ever be a barrier to anyone getting help, and that is why I am offering this blog as a free information source.
I imagine there are many of you struggling with this or similar dilemmas -- money has always been a huge stumbling block for me. I hope that this insight has been of some value to you, even though it was free :)
~Dave Brown
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