Michele Woodward Executive Life Coach
Powerful Coaching. Powerful Results.
May 4, 2009
Michele Woodward
Greetings!

Wow, this feels big. I mean, just saying it out loud.

Deep breath.

Here goes: I have started writing another book.

There. Now it's out and I'm on the record and have made a promise.

You're my witnesses and I can't back out now.

What I'm attempting to do with this book is tell the story of one coaching client, blending fiction and self-help so that any reader can use the tools to help themselves learn and grow. And any coach or would-be coach can get insight and instruction about how a coaching practice really works. And, with any luck, the story will be compelling enough that a general reader will enjoy it, too.

What's the emoticon for happy/excited/yippee? Because that's how I feel about writing this book. It's an absolute joy -- which is how I know it's right.

OK, I've only just finished the first chapter, and, true to form, on the re-reading one line presented itself for further inquiry. When I posted it on my Facebook page, I got some immediate, strong reaction, so I thought I would write about it today.

"So many of us spend time seeking that we don't stop to enjoy what we've already found."
Know what I mean?

It's like spending six months planning your wedding, and when that happily anticipated day comes, you're totally focused on...the honeymoon.

Or sitting in a weekend personal development workshop, perusing the catalogue to see...what workshop you can do next.

Or, the family joke, eating breakfast while discussing...what's for lunch.

Brings up a couple of ideas I've written about before. Remember Here But Not Here? How using a cell phone or Blackberry conveniently keeps you from being present right here, right now?

And even last week's 3 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way. We are foursquare in our own way when we're so busy seeking the next great thing that we can't appreciate what's right in front of us.

Because seeking means we're looking ahead. We're looking somewhere else. Anywhere but here. Raising your hand and saying, "Absent."

It takes being fully present to fully enjoy what you've created. When you create, then drop your creation in favor of something new, what you are actually creating is a never-ending cycle of never being satisfied.

That's being driven, most certainly. Icky driven.

So, dare to be present. Dare to say, "Hmmmn. This feels great. Think I'll be here right now and...enjoy."

Enjoyment. What a concept. A very happy concept.

Like writing a book, if you ask me. And so I bring it around to the beginning. I'm writing a new book, and I thank you for being my virtual accountability buddies. It's going to be fun, anything but icky, and I'm glad you're along with me to enjoy the ride.

Nearly 200 past columns are available at my blog -- click here.

WHO DOESN'T LIKE FREE STUFF?
Free Stuff

Got a couple of things for you today -- first, I did a wonderful radio interview with Koren Motekaitis at KDRT, and you can listen to it online. We talk about getting out of your own way, figuring out life, how I got to be a coach...

And, for your further listening pleasure, you can listen to my last free lightning round coaching call by going to either my website or my blog. The next free call will be noon (EDT) Friday, May 22nd.

UPCOMING EVENTS
butterfly

On Saturday, May 9th, I'll be facilitating the Mother's Day Retreat at St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. This is my second year doing their event, and I have to tell you: this is a great group of women! For more information, go here.

Primal Leadership,
Leadership taught through the eyes of a horse
June 2 - 4, 2009
Marriot Ranch, Hume, VA
More info: Primal Leadership

For those who are interested and have questions, there will be a free conference call on THURS. MAY 7th @ 5:00 pm PDT/ 8:00 pm EDT.

Call in # (712) 941-0216 PIN # 987411

The Results Club 8-week self-paced program designed to get executive and managerial level job seekers out of overwhelm and fear and into effective, inspired action. Get more information about the e-workbook and recordings at www.resultsclubcoaching.com.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE DU JOUR
Agatha Christie

"The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes."

-- Agatha Christie

SOMETHING TO READ
Escape From Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim
Escape From Cubicle Nation

There is nothing more joyful than sharing a great book -- especially when that book is written by a great friend. So, I must tell you about Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur written by my friend Pam Slim.

You'll probably remember that Pam and I collaborated on Kick-Ass Mentoring, a marketing program for coaches. Pam and I met as instructors in Martha Beck's Coach Training program and I have enjoyed every moment of our friendship.

So, I have to tell you about her book, which was release last week. If you are a corporate prisoner who might, just might, want to be your own boss -- to do that which your heart longs to do -- Escape from Cubicle Nation is the roadmap you've been looking for.

Pam writes beautifully, and fully, about how to put together a business that will work. She's practical and encouraging, and draws from her own experiences to give meaningful, real-world examples of how you can become a successful entrepreneur.

I love writing these words: the book is available in bookstores around the country. Pick it up today and make your escape! (Congratulations, Pam. I know you're reading this -- your success is of your own design, and could not be happening to a more lovely, generous person.)


Michele Woodward
Michele Woodward Consulting, Inc.
phone: 703/598-3100