Maria Connolly, LPC
Is there an influential coach you greatly admire and aspire to be like? What is it about her that makes you want to be like her? When you look closely, you’ll find it’s not because she’s charismatic and mesmerizes you. Or that she “leads” by bullying or intimidating. A good leader influences others by example, bringing the best out in those around her because she walks the talk.
Do you want to feel powerful and successful in your life? Then build meaningful relationships with others who are committed to the same goals. If you want to thrive, surround yourself with people who are better at whatever you aspire to do! They can give you advice, guidance, and practical examples for living the kind of life and choices you want.
People who know and care about you are your greatest teachers. They’re your role models and your most truthful mirrors. They’ll be the ones you turn to when you’re confused, need help, and feel emotionally fragile. These “low” times will occur in your life, and if you only have “fair-weather friends” the low times will be hard to take.
You are only as strong as your support network. And as Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path. ~ Richard Strozzi-Heckler
An experienced sailor needs to cultivate patience in order to safely reach his or her destination. They learn the things within their control, such as the set of the sails. And the things outside their control, such as the wind! It’s part art, part science, but only those with patience stick with it! As we sail through our life, cultivating patience is key to getting to our destination of professional mastery.
This brings to mind the story of Nadia. This 60-year-old coach came to see me because she was unhappy with her professional life. She described her career as average. She’s passionate about learning and, over the years, she’s become a Jill-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none. As we spoke, I began to see a pattern emerging that revealed the cause of her discontent – she had not worked to cultivate patience.
Here’s how I knew this…