I often find myself searching for the elusive button. The magic button to push that is going to change my life, make things happen, enrich me in some way, solve a seemingly unsolvable problem...I have found it! It's coaching. In other words, seeking help from a professional or someone skilled or experienced with whatever it is I need to learn or overcome. This could be a coach, trainer, counselor, sponsor, friend anyone with experience. It quite often can be someone that is just ahead of you in your latest endeavor.
The key here is to seek help. You may need to pay for it. It may be a friend or acquaintance. It may be in the form of a 12 step program. Maybe an association membership is at hand. Sign up for a class. Maybe there are other like minded people interested in iron sharpening iron. Look at what you are facing or wanting to develop. Who can help? Who has done it? /who is working their way through it. Part of staying stuck and not growing is first realizing you need help and second not reaching out. It takes some vulnerability. Some willingness to say I want this and I don't know how to get there. The path straightens out as we seek others help. The beauty is there are many who relish the opportunity to do so and ultimately, we sometimes end up helping them too. Welcome to community.
Personal experiences bear this out. I didn't attain any level of sobriety without admitting I didn't know what to do and sought help. Recently a friend turned me on to Dave Ramsey, I attended the course, things started to change right away. I needed to learn to be more efficient as a swimmer. I hired a coach and I was taught more than I ever knew was even available in a short period of time. I had range of motion problems, I went to a chiropractor, who also has a massage therapist on staff. Huge improvements ensued. I wanted more. I hired a trainer. Wow, what a difference. That turned into a group of men that meet 3 times a week to to help each other become better men and workout. We also look for ways to help others. More recently, I reached out to a local real estate investment club and by following some I met there, created a vision for my life. I have joined a diverse group of people and coaches who help each other attain their visions. I had my first piano lesson.
The strides I have made in the last year are huge. Way beyond anything I could have created on my own. It all began by a friend offering a solution I wasn't even looking for and I accepted the invitation. I have really honed my asking for help chops. I cannot calculate the value of being vulnerable, having a vision and seeking or asking for help.
Life is too short to go it alone and drift through rudderless without any apparent direction. So is it a button, a skill or just a concept? It doesn't matter! Ask for help, it will change your life and the lives of those around you.
