Natural Born Coach

Within five minutes I was helping her identify the secret dream she’d guarded so well, even she didn’t know what it was.

“What makes your heart feel like it’s going to beat out of your chest? What did you daydream about as a child?”

Her eyes lit up when she said, “It’s silly I know, but I wanted to write stories.”

Now my eyes perked, “Well it just so happens I’m a writer.”

“Really?”

“Really. Less than four years ago I was sitting exactly where you are. The wisp of a dream shadowing the corners of my mind, but not sure if it was my imagination, or whether I should actually try to do something with it.”

“That’s right,” she hopped up and down in her chair like she was a third grader who knew the right answer and wanted to scream it to the class.

I bowed my head in humiliation, “And now I’m waiting for the arrival of my first publishing contract.”

“Oh, I could never write well enough for someone to publish my book. I’m not like you.”

And that’s when it struck. A light bulb blinding epiphany.

“If I can, you can. And I’ll be happy to help you get there.”

Two weeks ago, I attended Donald Miller’s Storyline Conference in Nashville. During the process, we began to storyboard our own lives. The goal is to identify themes, and decide if the choices you make are leading to the end you desire. If not, choose differently.

The other thing the event did, was define something I’ve struggled with most of my life. Why do I exist? What am I supposed to do? Am I on the right track? What if I get it wrong?

I found out why I’m compelled to write and speak.

I’m a natural born coach, and telling me not to coach is like telling me not to breathe.

I love playbooks, (written instruction), and encouraging players, (spoken teaching). I’m compelled to share with others the things that have enriched my own life.

Good coaches rebuke as well as uplift the people they influence. They exercise tough love when their people get down. They motivate with a pat on the back and say good job, when small victories are made.

This is what God made me to do. As a manager in the workplace, as a national speaker inspiring others to unearth their buried dreams, as an author with a platform to help people take action that will change their lives for the better.

I started coaching little league while I was still in high school, and I haven’t stopped yet. Nor do I intend to. If this is what I’m supposed to do with my life, then so be it. I will coach as many people to victory as God gives me opportunity to do so.

Call me a Life Coach, a Business Coach, or a Kingdom Coach, it doesn’t matter how you label it. This is why I exist.

Living is about action. It’s time to get off the bench and play.

Have you figured out why God made you? What dreams have you buried? Are ready to get off the bench and play?

Anita FreshFaith @ Work

Acts 20:24 (NIV)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author. She lives in Missouri with her family.

Contact her via http://www.freshstartfreshfaith.org or anita.freshfaith@gmail.com

Mixing Business and Personal

Soaking up a Personal Moment

I’ve been struggling with something recently.

As more speaking and writing opportunities arise, I find an odd mix of requests for my time and voice. The people around me either want something on a work related topic, or something of a personal nature. However, when I talk to these folks one-on-one, I find the lines between the two are hard to define.

We carry our personal issues into the workplace, and we bring our work with us when we come home from the job. No matter how hard we try to segregate the two, they are both inexorably connected to who we are.

This also defines who I am. As a business and life coach, I find myself torn between what to write about. I’ve mostly posted about business and work issues here, but also feel drawn to personal transparency. Yes, I could write a totally separate blog, but I can’t separate the two parts of me as a human being, so why split the two parts of myself into different blogs.

Starting tomorrow, I will sprinkle posts of a more personal tone into my blogs. I’m not going crazy with it, I’ll still offer practical advice, simple formulas, and work related stories. But I think this is important — to show the impact of living a meaningful life, especially at work. After all, I spend more waking hours there than I do anywhere else.

Too often in the business world, we think we have to hide our true selves. We’re so busy looking out for number one, trying not to embarrass ourselves, attempting to be right and look good, that we miss the blessing of authentic relationship. The ultimate sign of success is when you can touch the hearts and minds of those you work around. To impact someone’s life in a positive way.

This week, I received confirmation of three instances where I’d made a difference for someone and didn’t know it. I’ll bet the same is true for you. People are watching. A transparent attitude, immersed in positive faith, is a rare find these days, at work or at home. I’m determined to walk with a genuine and open heart, no matter where I go. Won’t you go with me?

Anita FreshFaith @ Work

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author. She lives in Missouri with her family.

Contact her via www.freshstartfreshfaith.org or anita.freshfaith@gmail.com