If you were heading out for a quick dinner and couldn’t decide on what you wanted to eat and you stumbled across a small dive bar, which advertised a killer cheeseburger, what would you do? I know what I would do…my curiosity (and Pavlovian response) would be raised and I would find myself trying something that I hadn’t expected to try when I left my house on the quest for dinner.

I pop into the bar, grab a seat and notice that everyone is eating burgers, so “when in Rome” is applied, and I would decide to indulge the house specialty, “the burger”. One bite and I soon realize that this is the most delicious ½ pound, mac and cheese covered, bacon infused, grilled bun heaven that you have ever consumed. After dinner, I might bump into some friends and what would kick off the small talk? That burger! I would want to tell everyone about this culinary creation, wouldn’t you?

This burger experience is my attempt at metaphorically discussing how I feel about coaching. Coaching and cheeseburgers! Coaching, to me, is akin to the most delicious cheeseburger I’ve ever consumed and I want people to know how much fun I had with it. This doesn’t mean you will enjoy it as much as I did (and that’s cool), or you might not frequent that burger bar as regularly as I might (that’s cool, too), but nonetheless, I want to share how delicious that burger was, just like I want to share what coaching’s impact, has been, on me.

As I continue to grow, as a coach, I recognize that I get really excited about what I’ve been working on and am so inspired by what I’ve experienced that I have fallen prey to crossing the “preachy” line with respect to my coaching. I’m asking the universe for a “do over” and I’m resetting my intention to be very simple- I intend to share one person’s story, mine, so anyone who has curiosity about personal perspective changes, they will have access to the information I’ve been blessed to garner. And if coaching isn't right for someone, that's cool by me, too.

I began my coaching journey in 2008, and I’ve been documenting and defining my experiences, distilling them into a series of principles that supported me and they are now the cornerstone of what I share with others.

What I learned, embraced, and now live by, were experiences, exercises, and discussions that were intended to be shared and they were passed from my coach to me and from her coach to her, so I’d like to keep this sharing alive and pass some of my experiences and principles to others who might have curiosity. Back to the burger for a minute- I didn’t make that burger, but I loved the experience, so I share and I didn’t make these principles, but I love them and the experiences they’ve afforded, so I share.

The belief systems and some of the exercises that tie to the principles of the coaching, have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and they will be around for hundreds and thousands of years, to come. I feel fortunate to have been introduced to them and I have applied these principles to support being more peaceful, more mindful, healthier, more compassionate, and more loving with those I encounter.

My engagement with my children has increased, I’ve been able to succinctly define what I value of myself (and how those values could support others), I have a deeper connection with my wife, the elimination of personal financial debt became a reality, and I’ve re-ignited my health and physical well-being. I’ve noticed a deeper mindfulness through daily meditation and an increase in the quality of my sleep. I’m enjoying the lens I use to view life and I’m wondering if these results could add value to others, too?

I’ve included a snapshot of the principles I coach and support:

· The Want Wheel- defining what we value of ourselves and aligning those values into adding value for others.
· Keeping a Clean Front Porch- embracing personal accountability, so that accountability can translate into powerful choices & agreements.
· Looking in the Mirror- engaging vulnerability and introspection to deepen relationships.
· Thinking Like a 5 year Old - creativity & innovation exercises for productivity and wellness.
· Power Intentions – building and recognizing intentions that support the manifestation of your wants.

If you are curious (or hungry)- don’t be a stranger! #trytheburger