March's Coach of the Month

Dear Coach - My 13-year-old’s only passion seems to be computer games. Attempts to get him to study usually have both of us pulling our hair out.

My frustration is exacerbated by the fact that we’ve invested a lot of money in a private school education for him. We’ve tried everything, from explaining to imploring, from bribing to punishing. He just doesn’t seem to care…

What I really want is to convince him of the importance of education. I know he’s a smart kid who can do whatever he puts his mind to. My husband and I are both life-long learners, attending Peak’s courses and seminars all the time and our net income over the last several years certainly reflects our focus on self-improvement and financial management.

Frankly, I’m really worried about my son’s future. Him? Not so much…

Any suggestions for jump-starting my kid? – Frustrated, but Hopeful

Dear Hopeful - First I commend you and your partner on modeling the connection between education and money. That’s exactly how those attitudes and beliefs are formed; by watching the adults in our lives when we are young. Your son has an advantage many of us didn’t have.

You might start by looking at your money values and practices to determine if there are ways to educate him in a real world way. For example, does he have to pay for things he wants out of his allowance?

It sounds like he’s in a resisting period, not uncommon at his age, so you might want to meet him on his own turf to enroll him in a learning process that suits his propensities and interests. Look for electronic learning strategies and wealth management tools that are fun and structured for kids. Not every learning tool is boring! There are plenty on the market that can be fun for his age group.

Learn to speak his language and respect what he values and he will begin to mirror communication skills and respectfulness. You may be able to create all kinds of breakthroughs you hadn’t even intended by meeting him half-way. – Coach Joy

 

Dear Coach - I attended the MMI seminar in Montreal and joined the SuccessTracs program. I was at first totally grateful for the MMI seminar and my great coach Diane Riley. Unfortunately, I went into a crippling depression only four months into the coaching process and dropped out.

My job is the main source of this overwhelming feeling of paralysis. I feel trapped by my salary (and benefits) and by the fact that I have full custody of my two daughters. I love them so much, but as a parent, I’m afraid to take any financial risks that may affect them.

I believe strongly in the Law of Attraction, but it doesn’t seem to be working for me. I want to start my own business and I have some ideas but I know nothing about entrepreneurship . Where do I start? - Out of Depression and into the Entrepreneurial Fire…

Dear Entrepreneurial - If now is not the perfect time to get some coaching…I don’t know when that will be. William Bridges writes in his book Transitions that it is common between age 35–55 to lose interest in old competencies and seek transitions. When these urges occur, it’s time for change and action. The trick is clarifying your desired outcome so that your vision of the future will be compelling and worth the effort and risk. There is often a price to pay for change but there is a greater price to pay working at a job that is destructive to your well-being.

The Law of Attraction is not about wishing and hoping; it’s about thinking and feeling as if you have what you want so that you will attract that energy. It’s acknowledging that you have the power to create your life, and the sense that your life is determined by much more than your circumstances. Your job is a circumstance; depression is a circumstance, both are temporary (if you choose!).

Gratitude is the strongest of the attraction vibrations, so start there. Whatever you focus upon will expand, so stop focusing on negativity. See your life how you want it to be and imagine how it will look and feel when you have it.

Here are some other must-do tools for outgrowing a situation:

Your coach, should you return to coaching, is an awesome resource for support. If you are not willing to get all the help you need to get to where you want to live, then it may be that you are simply not ready to transition. Staying put has a cost too. In the end, it’s up to you… –Coach Joy

 

Dear Coach - I have found myself in a career that I fell into 15 years ago. I am paid quite well, but bored stupid.

Most people would think I’m crazy for even considering giving up my job, but it’s a Golden Handcuffs situation and I feel as though I’m screaming inside… Wandering in Winnipeg

Dear Wandering in Winnipeg - If you are constantly screaming inside I’d suggest you pay attention. There’s something powerful about hitting your 40’s and realizing that you don’t have all the time in the world to live your dreams. Your inner voice is telling you that it’s time for something new.

Still, walking on new ground, while stimulating, can be uncomfortable at first. Start a Journal called “The Most Exciting Life I can live!” Write on a daily basis for a few months and see where that leads you. Journaling is one of the most powerful tools for self-actualization. If you are seeking a different path but unsure of where it may lead, writing is an amazing way to get clear on your ideal destination and the steps that will get you there. – Coach Joy

 

It has been my honor to answer your questions this month.
Joy Perkins
Success Tracs Coach of the Month - March 2007

Please send your questions for next month’s Ask the Coach to: askthecoach@peakpotentials.com
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