Transformative Intention

                                                                  --  Loretta Staples

Dear Friend,

What are you working on in your life right now?  What do you want to shift?

Please take a moment and answer these questions before continuing.

Ready?  OK.
A week ago, I returned from 4 days at the International Coach Federation's Annual Conference in Atlanta.  It was, for me, just great!  And, being the kind of guy I am, I want to know "why?"  What made this experience so transformative?

And the answer is...
I went into the conference with a question I wanted to answer.

I must admit, it wasn't planful.  In fact, the question wasn't even articulated.  But, for the several weeks before heading off to the conference, I had been up to my hips in figurative muck, trying to get clarity around what I saw at the time as a marketing issue: How do I get people to see the value I know they will receive from coaching with me?

So what happened was that I brought this "not knowing," this slogging through uncertainty, to the conference with me.  It was a good thing, actually, because my conscious mind was not at all sure why I was going in the first place. Other than seeing my old coaching buddies, I could see little reason to attend.  I wanted to stay home.  One might safely have said I was not in a receptive frame of mind.

What happened first?
I hung out with my buddies, for sure.  In fact, we received comments that we seemed to be connected at the hip!  As a young child will explore to a greater extent when Mom or Dad is a steadfast presence, I was able to get centered in my connection to these folks and then venture out "bravely" into the newness and uniqueness of the experience.  (Something to remember!)

And then...
I kept hearing the answer to my question in most every keynote address, breakout session, and conversation!  It was as if the conference was designed for me.  

Introducing...
Benjamin Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and co-author with Rosamond Stone Zander of The Art of Possibility, is a brilliant and compelling presenter who gave the lead-off keynote address.  If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of his events, choose to attend.  You won't be disappointed.  

A Powerful Direction
Mr. Zander opened his talk with the instruction that we hold in our minds something we wish to shift over the course of the next hour.  What a powerful direction!  Though he made no further comment in this regard, it was clear that by the end of the time I had taken just what I needed from our time together.  And I am convinced that it would not have happened, or would have been much less significant a shift, in the absence of his simple direction to support our intention at the outset.  The Art of Possibility, indeed!

Gratefully, this effect continued to build over subsequent sessions, conversations, and even in quiet moments.  By the time I left the conference, not only could I think about my "issue" with greater clarity and understanding, but my confidence in myself had improved, I felt emotionally strong, and in greater connection not only to my mission and purpose for being a coach, but also to the community of coaches of which I was a part.  I was ready to go home and eager to integrate all this into my coaching, to a far greater extent than I could have predicted.

Stop - It's Your Turn

Take a moment and recall the issue you identified for yourself at the beginning of this article.

In relation to this issue...

• What are you noticing?
• What shifts in thinking occurred?
• How is the way you are feeling now different from before you read this piece?
• Are these changes subtle or quite obvious?
• What unexpected memories popped up for you?
• What are you prompted to do now?

What's next?
This was but one brief experience.  It  may have been interesting for you.  But perhaps it was a dud.  No matter.  Take what you learned and try it out today.  What are you in the midst of that begs for clarity, action, or a creative solution?  Write it down and check on it again  tomorrow.  Set a reminder for yourself.  Or send me an e-mail telling me what you're working on and when you want to be reminded to "check in."  I'll e-mail you at that time.

I look forward to hearing what you discover.

    Steve

Resources

Benjamin Zander has his own website which lists where he'll be, let's you download music, and links you to information on his book and upcoming videos of his presentations.  Find it at www.benjaminzander.com.  The Art of Possibility has been available for several years, so check your public library.  If you're interested in purchasing it, it is now available in paperback.  I encourage you to support your local independent bookseller.  However, should you not have one available to you, you can support me a smidgen by purchasing it at Amazon.com using this link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0875847706/reitercoaching.  I appreciate it.

I help all sorts of dynamic folks stay on track to success.

Are you ready?  Call me at 315-472-0504 or toll-free at 1-888-832-8421 for a complimentary coaching session.  In one hour or less, you'll obtain greater clarity, deepen your understanding of your situation, and have initial steps in front of you.  And it's fun, to boot!  No obligation, no commitment, of course.  Nothing to lose... everything to gain. 

Or send an e-mail to: coach@stevereiter.com, or visit my web site at 
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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