I have a good life, but I don’t want you to have the life I lead. I’d like you to have your own good life, after all, you’re not me.
I’ve career shifted several times over the years and have even realized a dream to live with my family in another country. However, these things didn’t just happen by accident, they’ve been as a result of not just dreaming, but of taking action, one practical step at a time to achieve some of my life goals.
My life at work has taken me from telecommunications engineering and line management, through environmental management and in to life coaching. I’m now a trained and qualified coach who particularly understands people living green and tech-driven lives and it gives me a real buzz to work with you. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done my job well if I’ve helped you take a step forward in your own lives.
Dream on
I sometimes get asked if I just ‘talk the talk’, rather than ‘walk the walk’. Well, I do have a dream that I’m working on. It’s not a major, change the world, kind of dream, just a road trip. Since I moved to Canada from the UK I’ve developed a desire to motorcycle down the West Coast of North America, probably from Vancouver to San Francisco. However, there are a few things that need to happen before the trip even reaches the start line.
First step. Although I had a UK bike license, it was only valid in BC for 90 days. I needed to get a BC license. This involved taking both knowledge and road tests. So, setting myself a deadline I took and passed my knowledge test. Next up was a bike-training programme followed by the road test. That step was completed and I have a BC motorcycle license.
Second step. A road trip needs a bike, but what sort of bike? The sort of bike that can be fitted out with luggage and be a comfortable ride for long days in the saddle. Being practical, I wanted a bike that I could use everyday as well, and I wanted style. I also needed something that I could grow into, a bike that was forgiving as I learnt, yet would be suitable for the trip. Now my choice, a Ducati GT1000, may not be your choice, but it’s the process of setting out the specification that’s important. It’s an example of how using coaching techniques, namely asking lots of questions, can help a dream get closer.
Having built up local experience; in 2010 I moved on to step three – a short road trip. This trip took from from Vancouver to Florence, Oregon, across to Crater Lake and back via Bend and Seattle over 6 days. Once again, the trip was planned to challenge and stretch me so that when the longer distance trip comes, I’ll be prepared both physically and mentally.
Step four, the actual ride will happen before 2013 finishes. I just need to complete my planning and set the date.
So, that’s me. What about your dreams? You can take that first step by arranging a free Refresh consultation. What’s stopping you?
Just in case you want to know, here’s who I trained with and organisations that promote and support coaching as a profession.