One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is the moment that I am sitting with a client and they realize that the ‘crisis’ they came in with, sometimes months before is gone, being handled or in a state that is manageable. There is a
feeling of aaawwwww when our conversations change from how-to-get-through-each-day and move into life coaching. Life coaching is different than crisis counseling. It is a next steps process that is intended to help a client reach long-term life goals and lead a fulfilling existence, beyond a crisis management life mode.
Many of us want to leave a legacy. We want to live beyond our physical bodies on earth through the impact we made. For you, this could be a financial legacy or a relational legacy. It could be something like a garden or a dream home you design and build. It might be a published work. Whatever it is, the process of achieving that goal has to actually start if the dream is going to be realized!
Let’s get this show on the road!
Here are just a few questions that I like to dig into with my clients going in this direction:
1. What is it that empowers you each day? Is it faith, personal drive, career goals, family? What and who are your “why” for all that you do?
If we take some time to understand what motivates us and why, we often uncover goals that conflict with one another and goals that line up well with on another. This helps with setting reasonable timelines and milestone markers. It is important to know why you are doing life!
2. What are you doing when you feel the MOST “you”? How often is this happening?
We are lots of things to many people but there are moments in life when something deep inside our soul moves and lets us know we are where we are supposed to be. It took me well into my forties to discover this for myself, but now that I know, I seek out opportunities where I can thrive!
3. When you think of leaving a legacy, where would you like to see that happen? Do you want to leave a large inheritance for your children, rich relationships with friends and family, service to others, political change? (There are no right or wrong answers!)
There is nothing wrong with wanting to have it all! However, setting priorities keeps us focused so that we don’t achieve less important goals in place of our ultimate goals!
4. What does the confident version of yourself dream about?
If you take a realistic inventory of your skills and potential and attach a dream to them, what does that look like?
5. What uncomfortable step needs to happen in order for the legacy to be put in motion? Is it a job change, a move, a change in relationship?
Is there an obvious first step that you need to take? That may need to be your #1 goal in the short run if you are ever going to get started on building the life you want!
6. Who can you rely on as a support system in your life journey?
It is difficult to achieve life goals when you don’t have community. I operate best with a small, very loyal community. Others need a personal cheerleading squad. Know who and what you need to stay encouraged and then take steps to get that support system in place.
7. What is keeping you from starting now?
I always said I would do missions work when my kids were grown. Then a woman I know who had babies at home went to Africa for a few weeks and her family survived! I have been doing missions ever since. What literal or imagined obstacles are holding you back from your dreams?
Here is what I know from the counseling I do and life I have lived. There will always be another crisis. They usually come out of nowhere and threaten to strip our lives of all happiness and meaning. That is why it is important to know what the long term goals are…what is propelling you to live each day fully and with intent? I hope to have a few decades to explore, to dream and leave a legacy!
Join me! I would love to help.
Love,
Sonia