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Greetings!
Having moved to a new state in June, I am meeting lots of people. Inevitably, they ask me what I do. I tell them that I am a Life and Career Coach and sometimes I add that I am a Management Consultant. Lately, I have been saying that I am a Writer (in addition to Coach).
I am meeting lots of creative people, mostly musicians, but also visual artists. I find that I want to let them know that I am creative too. For me, being a life coach is incredibly creative; however, that is not so obvious for most people until they have experienced the process.
When I say that I am a writer, it puts some pressure on me to write. How can I say I am a writer if I am not writing? This is motivating for me at this point in the writing process. When I tell people that I am writing a book, that makes it truer for myself.
When are statements about ourselves and to ourselves helpful and when do they get in our way? I have clients who might say: "I am a loner." "I am a happy person." "I am unfocused." "I am not a joiner." Yes, they are or feel these things sometimes. I imagine that there are times when they are the opposite or something in between.
When we give ourselves labels, we may be boxing ourselves into an image that impacts our behavior in a way that is not helpful. If I keep saying to myself that I am unfocused, then I may not recognize when I am focused.
By recognizing when I am focused, I can observe what captures my attention and the conditions that help me focus. With these observations, I may find clues as to how I can be more focused in other areas of my life, if that is what I desire.
One suggestion that I offer to clients is to observe the labels that they give themselves. Then, I suggest that they ask themselves the questions, when is this true? When is it not true? How can I hold this label lightly?
When I practice holding a label, a title, or an image of myself lightly, I feel a sense of freedom. I am more present for myself and others in each moment. I have a sense of having more choices for how I want to be and act in this world.
What titles or labels do you give yourself? How can you hold these lightly?
Be well,
Sue Schleifer
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Documentary Film Recommendations
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Tootie's Last Suit
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I recently attended the Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival and saw some films that I highly recommend, especially to learn more about Louisiana's rich culture.
Two films are about the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian traditions: Tootie's Last Suit and Bury The Hatchet. A film which highlights the power of music and features pianist, Henry Butler and his work with blind students at his music camp: The Music's Gonna Get You Through. A short film for book lovers: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. A film about a funk band, The New Mastersounds, from Leeds in the United Kingdom and their journey to New Orleans: Coals to Newcastle. |
Working with a Life and Career Coach
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Have you been thinking about working with a life coach? Give me a call to schedule a complimentary coaching consultation.
Below are what some of my clients have said about the coaching experience.
"I was drawn to Sue based on her philosophy and background and knew I made the right decision when we 1st met. She helped me work through ideas and thoughts and got me moving in the right direction. She even helped me re-connect with someone from my past that has now been instrumental in my current growth. I am truly thankful!" Chief People Officer
"Sue truly cares about her clients' goals and brings that passion to her work as a life coach. With her fresh perspective and eye for possibility, she helps me find creative solutions to seemingly intractable problems. Sue adds her wide array of skills and rich life experience to my own, expanding my box of problem-solving tools. She helps me set priorities, identify goals, and push toward fulfilling them---all while keeping me honest with myself. Plenty of professional and creative people would benefit from working with Sue, and I particularly recommend her to anyone who needs to get "unstuck." Medical Editor and Fabric Artist
"Doesn't everyone need a coach? From working with Sue, I'm convinced of it. I am spending more time on the activities that are most important to me and have set aside some old patterns (like worrying too much!) that got in my way. Sue is helping me achieve my interpersonal as well as career goals."
President, High Tech Management Consulting Firm "Sue is an excellent listener and an astute observer. I sought her help at a time when I was dissatisfied with my business, had some vague idea that changes needed to be made, but couldn't see the way forward. In our coaching sessions, she provided tremendously useful feedback, helping me to uncover and understand the sources of my dissatisfaction, and guided me towards making many positive changes. If you want to make changes in your personal or professional life, and need coaching to help you find your way and follow through, then I would strongly recommend working with Sue."
Small Business Owner
"Whether in my work or private life, Sue has an uncanny ability to see situations from many different angles. Her attention is complete; she really makes you feel like you matter. If I circumvent an issue, she brings me back to what is important. Sue has become one of my most important teammates. I can tell her anything, never feel judged and always feel supported. It doesn't get better than this!"
Co-Founder, Co-Director, Non-Profit Organization
I would love to talk with you about how I can be your resource in building a satisfying life and career. Call me for a complimentary half hour telephone coaching consultation.
Whether via telephone or in person, coaching is extremely effective in helping you to pursue what matters in your life. Let's talk.
Sue Schleifer
www.Oak-Communications.com
Sue@Oak-Communications.com
337.534.0954
510.316.3319 - cell
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