The Reiter Coaching Letter: a bi-weekly newsletter of inspiration, resources, humor, and challenge... and a quick read.
Written & Published by Steve Reiter, MS, PCC www.stevereiter.com
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Walking Along Your Path

Buddha left a road map, Jesus left a road map, Krishna left a road map, Rand McNally left a road map. But you still have to travel the road yourself.

                                         -- Stephen Levine
 

The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult.

                                            -- Mme. Du Deffand
 

Live with intention.  Walk to the edge.  Listen hard.  Practice wellness.  Play with abandon.  Laugh.  Choose with no regret.  Continue to learn.  Appreciate your friends.  Do what you love.  Live as if this is all there is."

                                         --  Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey
 

I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.

                                         --  Jonathan Winters
 

Dear Friend,

I am grateful that so often I am witness to growth and change in my clients.  Subtle or profound, these changes remind me of the importance of being intentional.

One of the great blessings of being a coach is that I have to be moving my life forward all the time.  If I don't, I can't get solidly behind my work with my clients.  After all, I'm asking folks I love to "show up" in their lives, pay attention, take away what's valuable from their sessions, take a step forward, and grow. 

One obvious example: How can I ask people to take steps toward meeting their physical needs (e.g., nutrition, exercise, rest), if I'm not walking down that road in my own life? 

Fortunately, I don't need be at my final destination before I can be helpful... but I do need to be aware of where I am, see the road ahead and behind, know which way is which (if I'm lucky), and be committed to my journey.

From here to there
Getting where you want to go in your life is very similar to getting where you want to go as you travel in the world.  One thing my clients' success demonstrates is that being intentional is important.

When we journey in unfamiliar territory, we can do it in several ways:

Wandering
Wandering can be great fun, with new wonderment and surprises around every corner.  Sometimes, this is the preferred mode.  Where you eat and sleep and when you end up at your destination are vastly less important than what you experience along the way.

The Business Trip
Perhaps on the other end of the traveling spectrum is what I'll call the business trip.  Most everything is spelled out: the clothes you'll wear, your flight number and departure time, what meal you'll have on the plane, the transportation from the airport, the hotel reservation (non-smoking, please), the meeting times, and the trip home.

The Vacation
Somewhere in the middle is what I'll call the vacation: the beginning and ending are known, there are reservations for lodging, and one has plans for some things to do and some sites to see.  Everything else, including the timing of when these things happen, is a bit unclear.

You choose
You can choose whether the personal or professional path you're on requires one of these styles of traveling, or a variant. 

Is your journey about getting Results (with a capital R) or is it about the experience?  If it's a mix, what are the proportions?

It's up to you.  But it's important that you be aware that you're choosing.

Landmarks
For most of us most of the time, it is valuable to be able to predict, or at least recognize, the landmarks we come upon on our path.  Sometimes, being able to predict or recognize the landmarks is critical to our success; sometimes, it's not.

Example 1: Creating a business

Some important landmarks, in no particular order, might be:

• I have obtained sufficient business knowledge to begin.
• I have decided on the nature of the business.
• The proper supports are in place: this might include mentors, consultant, CPA, attorney, coach, designers.
• The marketing strategy is designed.
• I have business cards and stationery.
• There is a business plan.
• I have obtained financing.
• I have obtained the space for the business.
• I have left my previous work or carved out the time for this new business.

Example 2: Have a welcoming home full of friends

Some landmarks that might be important:

• My home is clean, and relatively uncluttered.
• My home has the right space and "feel."
• I am comfortable in having people in my home.
• There is sufficient lighting in the entranceway.
• I invite people to my home at least once each month.
• I have gatherings of loved ones twice each week.
• People call me and invite themselves over.
• I am comfortable when friends pop in unannounced.
• I keep sufficient food and drink items so I can feel comfortable hosting surprise but welcome visits.

Your turn - What's your intent? 

• Are you trying to get to a particular "destination" in your personal life or business?  If so, what is it?
   
• If the journey is one of "becoming," what are you becoming?
   
• What are the landmarks that will help you know where you are on the path?
   
• Do the landmarks include people, tools, resources, or experiences that will make the journey more exciting, fun, interesting, or successful?
   
• How will you know you are moving in the direction that you intend?
   
• Don't stop here.  What else do you need to think about right now?

I welcome hearing what comes up for you around this.

Take good care -

   Steve
 

Find Previous Articles and Reader Contributions on my web site at archives. 

I welcome your comments, stories, quotes, reflections, and suggestions for future topics and enhancements.  Let me know whether I may post your contribution, and how you wish to be identified as the contributor.

I help business people and other dynamic folks stay on track to success.

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The Reiter Coaching Letter is published by Steve Reiter on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  The purpose is to challenge you and support you in creating success and fulfillment throughout your life.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all content is written and edited by Steve Reiter, MS, PCC.  You are welcome to republish any or all parts of this newsletter; I ask only that you honor the copyright by including full acknowledgment, which includes the words "Copyright 2002, Reiter Coaching. All rights reserved." and a listing of my contact information (name, e-mail, web site).  Additionally, I would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication in which the article appears.

The Reiter Coaching Letter
Copyright (c) 2002, Reiter Coaching. All rights reserved.
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1539-2309