For nearly a decade, my clients have reached out to me when they’re striving to make changes, going through a transition or reaching deep to create the life they envision for themselves and want a partner on their journeys to ensure their success.
Some clients connect with me when they’ve hit an obstacle, are faced with a change or feel unsure of the next steps in their paths. Through focused conversations they quickly realize that, with a shift in perspective, what they viewed as a roadblock is actually an opportunity waiting to be explored.
Detours take us to unexpected places.
Regardless of the reason someone becomes my client, the process is the same. Together we collaborate to navigate your personal journey by identifying goals, mapping out strategies, and creating opportunities & solutions that enable you to attain what you want to achieve.
You don’t just define what you want but you connect with why you want it and – this is the key to being successful at your reaching goals – specifically how to get it.
In other words, coaching works to design your best life by:
- Identifying what you want
- Deciding what you are willing to do to get it
- Finding ways through challenges
- Recognizing opportunities
- Discovering resources – internal and external
- Creating strategies and workable plans
- Measuring success by your standards, not anyone else’s
How do I fit in to your plan?
In the crowded field of coaching, my background in psychology, human resources and teaching uniquely positions me to offer a novel perspective and innovative ideas. My strengths in communication, problem solving and creativity translates to your coaching journey as your work towards reaching your goals, and beyond.
I don’t follow the typical “life coach” approach that all ideas, solutions, etc. come from within a person and a coach is just a sounding board. Any coach who tells you that they don’t give advice isn’t being honest with you, or themselves.
You have the ability to figure your life out eventually, but you wouldn’t be seeking support if you didn’t want feedback, an alternate perspective or fresh suggestions. You wouldn’t be here – reading this – if you didn’t want to shift your life in some way but just aren’t sure how to make that happen on your own.
Coming up with creative solutions and strategies to reach our goals happens best when it’s a collaborative process. So that’s how I approach coaching.
Coaching truly changes lives.
Coaching, at its core, changes lives. I truly believe that. It’s hard to shift behavior and thinking, move purposefully through transitions, and see solutions when we are too close to a situation. I get it. I also know that even one coaching session, one workshop or one training can make a huge impact.
I set out on a path years ago to build a career in service of people on the front line of life. It’s my mission to increase access to life, career and business coaching, regardless of economic means or other barriers. So I strive make it available to as many people as possible.
As a coach, I don’t seek out high ticket clients – by choice. Sure, it will never get me rich in terms of dollars, but in terms of good karma? I’m rolling in it.
Some ways I make it easier for people to access personal development support:
- I cut my rate for clients who are unemployed to support them when they need it the most;
- I reserve one unpaid spot in every workshop for someone who wouldn’t be able to afford to attend otherwise;
- I set my training rates low but keep the quality high for non-profits and small businesses because I know that professional development training is a challenge to budget but so important to their success.
Caring about purpose over profit, fulfillment more than success and uniquely contributing to the world around me are tenets of my business. The changes my clients make, through the goals they reach, not only impact their lives, they positively effect other people as well. I’d say that’s a worthy return on the investment I make in people.
Becoming a coach.
I started coaching because I love to discover potential in people and opportunity in their circumstances. I love supporting people as they are taking charge of their lives and stepping forward into life independence. Each of their journeys is different and it is such a privilege to be part of the process of designing a life they are proud of.
I’m not big into touting titles or degrees, but I get that knowing what I bring to the table – including my “official” credentials and background – is important. So, here goes.
I think that I have always been a coach in some form, but the road to getting here was definitely winding. My career started in the mental health field and shifted to Community Relations and then Human Resources. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach at the college-level (classes like intro to psychology, career development and leadership & motivation, just to name a few). At some point along the way, I realized that I was a solopreneur at heart and became involved in starting 3 businesses, two as the sole owner.
Learning never stops.
Being a coach and solopreneur has been, in some ways, more of an education than I got in both my degrees (Human Development and Forensic Psychology). I don’t mean that I’ve learned more useful knowledge in the courses I’ve taken or through my coaching certification program. I mean what I have learned about myself.
Creating a business that serves others takes an incredible amount of commitment, drive and a willingness to push through challenges. I am constantly amazed at where I am today – especially when I look in the rear view mirror at all of the trials and errors, starts and stops, and occasional temptation to go back to an “office job”.
Designing a business that fits my life, instead of fitting my life into someone else’s business, was a goal I set in 2010. It took me a few years to reach it but here we are. I love that I get to share my enthusiasm for creating unique paths to happiness and success with my clients. Seeing my clients design their best lives is deeply rewarding and keeps me moving forward.
To learn more about me, check out my website and read my posts. Better yet, schedule a quick (no charge) call with me to meet and talk about how coaching can move you forward.
Please stay connected.
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I’m looking forward to connecting with you to find out how I can best support you through coaching, bringing training to your business or organization, or attending a workshop.
Thanks for being here. Design your best life. Then go out and live it.
~ Sara