The Transition

In a previous post I wrote about how I eventually came around to exploring the possibility of becoming a Certified Professional Coach. Now I will tell you about the transition into the profession.

As I expected there was a lot of eye rolling, mostly by other lawyers, when I announced that I was now a Certified Professional Coach. I was not surprised by this. People who become lawyers are inherently not risk takers. The exception would be true trial lawyers. They are in the business of taking risks.

No Comfort Zone for Me

I am a true trial lawyer. I have tried more than two hundred jury trial to conclusion. Each one is a risk.  Stepping out of my comfort zone is a daily journey for me.

A few of my colleagues even stooped to trying to ridicule me for holding myself out as a life coach. They were the ones who were insecure in their own status and felt uncomfortable being near someone who would challenge the worth of being an attorney.

I did not stop practicing law. I assiduously kept the law practice and the coaching practice separate. I refused to give legal advice to my coaching clients. For one thing the two businesses had very different fee structures.

Share My Knowledge

There came a time, though, where I realized that some of my law office clients could benefit from coaching. They faced obstacles that were not of a legal nature. The problems they were struggling with were just the types of things I could help them overcome as a coach or consultant.

It did not seem right to withhold my skills from them because they were also clients of my law office. In each circumstance we had a specific agreement that the legal advice and coaching/consulting advice were two different things.

Exciting Videos Coming Soon

Business owners certainly face legal problems on occasion. In fact, I have a series of videos designed specifically for business owners. It is going to be released soon (November 2020). If you are interested, send me an email and I will send you a link.

Business owners also face a myriad of other problems. Some of them are self-inflicted. Those are the problems I deal with when coaching.

Being a Certified Professional Coach was giving me a benefit also. Suddenly I realized that I was not trapped in the legal profession. There were other options. I could do other things … if I really wanted to do them.

Options Are Available

I had other opportunities that I could pursue. And so do you.

The question for you is, “Are you doing what you want to do?”

If not you need to realize  that there are other things that you can do that will make you more fulfilled.

No Second Chances

Life is not just about the accumulation of wealth and assets. In fact it really isn’t about that at all. You are only going to live this day, this week, this year and this life one time. There are no second chances.

What Are You Gathering?

When you die, and you will, it won’t matter how much you have accumulated. What is important are the memories and experiences you have.

Do not misunderstand me. Building a business, as difficult as it can be, can also be a great, satisfying experience. It can produce many wonderful memories. I have some great ones that come from building my various businesses.

Is It Worth It?

It is when those moments start to wear you down you have to ask yourself if it is really worth it. If not, be bold. Make a change. Do what makes you happy. I guarantee you that happiness beats stress every time.

I learned that lesson from experience. I am doing my best to pass it on to others so they will not have to go through the pain and angst.

In this article I am practicing what I preach. People have given me all sorts of suggestions about how I should structure my speaking business and what I should speak about. And that is okay. I am always willing to listen to suggestions. I just do not have to take them.

I am told I can’t make any money talking about being happy. I do not care because talking to people about enjoying life and being happy, makes me happy.

Need some guidance? Contact me.