I Couldn’t Do It Alone

Happy Summer!
A year ago this month I made a huge decision – for me. It might not seem that huge once you read on, but for me it was a VERY big deal.

In June 2023 I hired a business coach (Michael!). Now you and I know that tons of people do this every day. But, at our first meeting, I think I actually cried. What?! I was trusting a basic stranger with my hopes and dreams for what I wanted my coaching practice to become. (Not necessarily something to cry about, right?!)

What made it cry-worthy was what it would mean for me if I couldn’t do it. If I failed. This person would bear witness to my deepest insecurities. For our partnership to be successful, he was going to have to get to know me. Actually, let me rephrase that: I was going to have to let him know me. (Yup, reread those two sentences. There’s a diff.)

Fast forward to today: I still get embarrassed, beat myself up, and say things like – “I’m not sure we have to meet this week” and then at the end of our session, I’ll say (with a completely straight face) “Boy, I’m really glad we talked today!” And he only occasionally says – “You always say that!”

And yes, without him, I would never have grown my business from classic job search to include full-on content and offerings challenging leaders to move from selfless to self-FULL as well as finding a post career life that matters.

The point is – and the header for my Teaming Partners page on my refreshed website – “The go-it-alone, self-help myth harms more people than we will ever know.” Our fears and our shame can turn on us –without the light of day offered by a caring, trusted other.

Summer is here. Networking events wind down, friends take off for vacations, and sweltering days keep us indoors on our laptops. It’s a great time to reflect on what matters – and then to share our deepest fears and dreams with those who fill our cup.