Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it – Buddha
I didn't discover my life's work as a professional coach easily or overnight; if anything, coaching as a profession found me.
Ten years ago, I'd thought I'd found my calling as a supervisor of public health education programs.
What I loved about supervising – and was really good at – was clearing the path so that my staff could best use their own gifts and talents. And, I loved watching that happen, knowing I was assisting in their learning and growth.
Then, in 2000, I heard about this thing called "coaching": it sounded kind of cool. So I did an informational interview with the sister of a friend of mine, who was one of the first certified coaches in my state. As she talked about what she did and who she worked with, I thought: That's it! That's the name of what I'm already doing!
And then, I got scared. In fact, so scared that I put off getting professionally trained as a coach. For four years.
I was too busy, I couldn't make the time in my schedule, I had too many other things and people to attend to.
Of course, I eventually did take the training – during one of the craziest, most complex times of my life. So much for excuses. And I haven't looked back since.
I've found my life's work. And, while I give my heart to it, the biggest gift is that my work also gives back to me in ways I never thought work could do.
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What's your work?
How do you give your heart to it?
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s actually nice to hear the story of some struggle instead of… oh, and then I just feel into it without any work at all. While that absolutely happens sometimes, when you are changing careers it can be harder as we, ehem, get older. We’re established and have more responsibilities, it can just be harder. Thanks!
Jennifer, thanks for the comment and for stopping by! What makes our life’s work just that is that urge underneath, that tug, that won’t go away. We can ignore it, step over it, make all kinds of excuses, or we can listen to it, find the wisdom and craft a path that fits. Visiting your blog makes it looks like you’ve done just that yourself! Bravo!