The extraordinary events of the summer Olympics reminded us just how much the athletes who participate commit themselves wholeheartedly to their chosen sport.
This is not easy – their devotion to training and their work ethic is tremendous. What we see is the outcome of their hard work.
There is a lot to unpack when it comes to trying to figure out what drives these athletes to the pinnacle of their sport. Still it is obvious that each person has realized something – setting a goal is one thing, achieving it takes more. That often includes a coach, or several, as well as supporters, partners and those who see something special in the individual athlete.
Just like Olympic athletes, those with big goals need to go beyond dreaming and begin doing the hard work that makes it happen. Being shaped and helped by a coach is critical in guiding them toward success.
Role of Coaching in Achieving Big Goals
We all have and have had coaches in our lives, whether we realized it or not. They are parents, teachers, instructors and friends who in one way or another make an impact on who we are and what we want from life.
The sports coach, is vitally important for world-class athletes who take the journey to the top with intense focus, driven by the idea to the best in their sport.
Coaches guide, push, correct and help fine tune the athlete’s performance, but they do more by encouraging, motivating, and setting expectations for an athlete. Coaches help set strategies, provide motivation, and hold people accountable – whether it’s sports, business or life in general.
The parallels are pretty obvious when it comes to being the best. We all need “pushers” in our lives. We may be natural go-getters but that doesn’t necessarily lead to focusing our energy in the right areas to win the game, start the business, or move to the top of your company.
Throughout much of my career I have been connected to coaches. They have heard me out, been an objective listener, a sounding board and, most of all, someone who pushes me without judgment. There are times when they have also pushed back, helping me to clearly articulate what I’m trying to achieve. They have been thoughtful and asked powerful questions about my ideas and goals. Most of all they have been someone I could turn to.
Personal Experience with Coaching
Coaching has helped me find new ways to look at money, develop a commitment to health and wellness, and rekindle my dreams and passions.
Coaches don’t do the work (that’s on me) but when it comes to exercise, eating better, mapping out my path ahead, considering my motivations, my strengths and my weaknesses, their presence is a powerful reminder that I am not in this alone.
Achieving goals, especially big ones, alone, can be daunting. When you’re tired or want to give up, a coach is there. When you fail, a coach can help you put that in perspective. When you reach your goal, or goals, a coach is with you – cheering and celebrating.
From the field to the business office
Depending on our career, some of our coaches might actually have been our bosses. In an ideal world, a manager can be a mentor. But this doesn’t always happen and working with a coach on our career is not unlike working with a coach to make the Olympic team.
There was a time when I was running my PR and marketing company that I turned to a coach for very specific help. Before I explain, remember coaches can support us with our life, our career or our goals -- in very broad or very specific ways.
In this instance, I had a revenue goal that always seemed out of reach for my small business. Once I engaged with a coach, I made steady progress toward that goal and eventually exceeded it. I honestly don’t think I would have made that goal without the accountability and support from my coach.
So how did it happen? Partially I was more driven to focus when working with the coach. I garnered new ideas and approaches, but also focused on what was working and not trying to be or do something that wasn’t right for me.
Ultimately, coaching not only helped me increase my revenue, it improved my people management skills and made it possible for me to successfully transition out of my business.
One other story involves the impact coaching made on my ability to transition into the next chapter of my life.
Coaching helped me prepare for my next “act” and identify my purpose for what I do now – life coaching. Selling my company led to a lot of different opportunities. I had some ideas, but I was drawn to coaching because I had personally experienced the benefits of having a coach.
Importance of Commitment and Action
There’s a profound relationship between our big goals, the need for big actions, and a really big commitment. Look at the Olympic athlete for inspiration. To be committed to work for years for perhaps a minute in the spotlight and a chance for Olympic glory is one of the most powerful ideals we can imagine. They take a big goal, perform big actions (often involving thousands of little ones) and mentally and physically commit their all. And for what?
A simple idea really, being their personal best with a chance for success.
Often times it’s easy to come up with big ideas, but sticking with those in the midst of the busyness of life can be tough. That’s where coaching becomes so vital – not only does it keep you accountable, but it helps you reflect on the setbacks and learn from them. A coach’s honest questions, though at times may be painful, takes you outside of yourself and presents a different perspective.
Goals, success and you
Here’s the bottom line. If you are woman who wants to think big and start that business you’ve always imagined, grow your business even further or achieve success as a communications professional, you cannot do it alone. Sure family might help, friends even.
Turning to a coach offers an objective viewpoint that puts all things in perspective.
Even now I remain in touch with some of the people who have impacted my life, including my coaches. There have been teachers, friends, colleagues and others who have helped me along the journey. None more powerful than a coach who looks me squarely in the eye and shows they cares in a simple and sincere way.
We all deserve a chance to reach our full potential. Why not consider another resource, someone who can coach you in whatever direction you want to take? There is an Olympian in all of us, in one fashion or another. We need big dreams, big actions and a resolve to commit, focus and drive forward.
One final question I’d ask. How can I help you achieve your big goals? If you want to learn more, I offer a complimentary coaching session. Just reach out to me.
Comments