Tommy Lasorda is best remembered as the colorful, charismatic manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Somewhere between a bite of a Dodger dog and sipping a really cold beer, he boldly stated that there were three kinds of people in the world. He said, "As I see it, there are those who watch things happen, those who wonder what happened, and those who make things happen."
When I look back at the events that have shaped my life to date, I have a few options. I can blame others, question why it happened, give credit to someone else or stand tall and call it mine. What I can't do is deny that in all my life's experiences, I am the common denominator. Yep, I was there for everything! And I am both happy and horrified to admit that some of it has been great, some not so pretty and some even downright embarrassing! Still, it's all mine to claim.
Ask yourself what you have allowed to shape your life? Is it a great career choice or an unexpected change, a painful layoff or fabulous promotion? Maybe it was a health scare or a winning lottery ticket. Are you blessed with a great spouse and kids or are you still reeling from an ugly divorce, a broken engagement or a disagreement with a now estranged family member?
The bottom line is that we have all had defining moments in our lives. If you haven't had one yet (I'm old, so I get to say this) trust me, you will. And if you're anything like me...you'll have many!
Whatever that defining moment was, maybe using the Tommy Lasorda measuring stick isn't such a bad thing. Are you ready? Look at each pivitol point in your life to date, take a big breath, dig deep and ask yourself these questions...
Did you watch it happen?
Are you wondering how it happened?
Did you make it happen?
The obvious question to follow is: What part of your life are you willing to own?
Clients hire me for different reasons. Most want more time, less stress, more money or a different career. A few have asked me to help them become a different person; to completely reinvent themselves.
As a coach...even as a garden variety human, I find the whole idea of trying to reinvent myself or anyone else exhausting! Wouldn't it be better if we would just commit to doing the work to find out what we need to be happy, healthy and whole? Once we know that, we have a much better chance of getting our needs met.
Easy? Not so much. Possible? Absolutely!
Does finding your true calling and passion take a bunch of therapy? For some, I would say maybe...for others no. What it requires is a commitment to dig deep, ask the right questions, stand tall, listen for our own response, pray, read, explore, get a mentor, hire a coach...whatever it takes...it is well worth our time and attention.
Please don't mistake this as self promotion, I have a coach too! I have finally discovered my core needs and what it takes for me to be happy. It was a big job, but it has proven to be well worth the time and effort.
It is through knowing ourselves that we become empowered, confident and willing to take an active role in determining where our life is headed. And if anyone is going to determine our life's path and passions, it should be us.
Start today. Choose Today. After all, isn't that why it's called "your life"?
All my best,
Jean-Ann
http://www.cooperworldwidecoaching.com
