AN AGENT OF CHANGE
MEET COACH JOHN
I remember where I was and what I was doing when a new and unusual belief settled over my being.
The welding shop was noisy, smokey and fast paced. I envied the other workers who had wives who also worked in the plant. They had double the family income. I stepped back from the welding table, and as I slowly scoped the shop, I was keenly aware of a new confidence, and a distinct thought became clear in my mind: I can do better than this. I walked back into the sun and let the new knowing settle in me from head to toe.
I was in my fifth year at this company, and had come to recognize two types of men who worked around me. There were lifers and there were travelers. The lifers had chosen to work in this place until retirement. They were working on their 401k and were counting the years. Then there were the Travelers. A few had clear plans of how to go up the ladder. But more of them, like me, just knew that this job wasn’t satisfying the longing. In my heart was a pull for growth, freedom and the ability to affect my own destiny.
That day, enough was enough. I decided to act on this new belief, so I scraped up $900 and bought an old van, and became self employed in the building trades industry. Within 4 months, I had more than doubled my income and was beginning to enjoy the freedom of setting my own hours.
Many people want to change, but don’t know how. I became aware that change isn’t that hard, nor is it mysterious. Years of premium tile & flooring installation later I’ve learned some great principles that apply to all areas of life.
RISK PAYS.
When I transitioned from factory work to being a self employed contractor, I asked myself why was I getting paid double to triple the money to do work that was easier than my work in the factory?
The answer? I was handling material that was delicate and easily damaged, I was being compensated for my willingness to put myself in a place where I could mess up a lot of stuff in a hurry. The risks were bigger, but so were the rewards. The life lesson? WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RISK PAYS OFF.
A GROOVE IS BEST FORMED BY GOING SLOW AT FIRST.
Several light strokes will result in a straight cut, as opposed to one hard push the first time. Habits are the same way. Instead of making a huge change all at once, start with a small amount of pressure and then repeat.
JUST START.
Choose a first step, and begin. I’ve walked into job after job that makes me feel overwhelmed when I see what needs to be accomplished in the time allotted. But, it’s amazing how our subconscious minds begin to put things into place once we begin. Action dispels anxiety.
LIFE IS MUCH EASIER WHEN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB.
The right tools make all the difference. In the ceramic tile world, there are literally dozens of ways to cut, break, polish & nip tile to create the desired result. Knowing & choosing the right tool for the desired outcome is the difference between sloppy work and crisp elegance. The same is true in life.
4 Life Lessons I Learned
Through Years in the Trades.
During my 25 year journey as a ceramic tile guru & business owner, I went from timidity and reservations about my capabilities, to complete confidence in my ability to succeed in whatever I set my heart to accomplish.
Life has a way of shifting and changing a person's perspective over time, and sure enough, several years ago I once again began to see a need for something different. I applied these same principles and made another big change. I realized that I could better serve people though my mind & heart instead of my hands. I know that it is never too late to shift, so at age 60 I got my first coaching certification and made another major transition in identity.
THESE DAYS, I'M GOING FROM WORKING WITH MY HANDS TO WORKING WITH MY HEART.
Coaching is about...helping you choose the right tools for the job. It’s about helping you build habits that will slowly shape your life in the way you desire. Coaching is about coming along side of you, and helping you change your thinking into action. And it is about building your confidence to take risks in life, so that you can achieve massive rewards.
When you desire more from life, such as clarity of direction, sense of purpose or lasting change, At Choice Coaching will empower you to reach the results of your dreams. Yes, I said dreams. You have those dreams for a reason. Let's talk about it. Schedule a call with me today.
I AM AN AGENT OF CHANGE.