I received feedback on my blog a while back. The person was reviewing my bio and said this: "I can see that she is very smart. But I don't see how she can help me with life coaching."
That statement floored me.
The problem with this person is that they are NOT self aware. We are ALL being influenced by the things around us. Most people don't THINK about the things that are influencing their decisions. Being smart is NOT about having all of the answers. Being SMART is about being able to think independently and critically about yourself, others, and life. The basis of my coaching is real-life experience married with deep self-study.
Most of us are living life below our highest potential. And we all have problems. Here is the key word:
PROBLEM.
prob·lem
/präbləm/
noun
a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
I heard someone say once that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you decide to do about it. That being said, whatever negative circumstances you are facing is a problem. And I am here to tell you that you have the POWER to solve your problem.
I was most fortunate to be born to a Mother who encouraged me to think at a very early age. She always said "If you have a problem, sit down and think about it." She taught me the value of thinking for myself.
This is not to say that I have always avoided making bad decisions. I have made some major wrong turns and gotten myself into some bad situations. But what I have been able to do time and time again is get PAST my problem. I have never met a problem that I couldn't conquer if I was willing to pursue the solution to it with passion.
This is not to say that all problems are meant to be solved. I have also had health challenges that hit me out of no where. Although I had very little control over some things that my body decided to do, I did have control over ONE thing: my response to my situation. I could choose to sink into misery or I could choose to be BRAVE and face my fear of mortality. Learning to embrace the mortality of humanity is one of the hardest journeys I have had to make.
Critical thinking is not of casual importance. Having the ability to think about your life's problems in a critical way is the key to solving them.
To this person who commented about my qualifications, I will tell you this:
I don't know everything. But I know some things. I don't have all the answers. But I can walk you through a process that will allow you to discover the answer for yourself IF you are willing to do the work.
Critical thinking can be your BEST friend in life. Learning to think critically can help you break past the mental barriers that are holding you hostage.
My life is not perfect but I will tell you this about it: I live with no regrets. I think for myself. I do the things that matter most to me. I don't allow people to dazzle me with their charm because I have found that charm is misleading. Sure, it can get you a lot of friends and admiration. But what it won't get you is what I have: peace with myself and the world around me.
Mr. or Ms. "I don't see how she can help me," I hope that your life is as awesome as mine. If it is, then maybe you should be coaching others instead of throwing out critical comments on someone else's journey. I will be cheering for you anyway.
