Earlier this week, one of my mentors, Bev Barnes shared a video blog that was spot-on, as always. In it she reveals key questions that are the core of her work and what she always comes back to.
Questions like, why am I here? Why am I in business? Is my business aligned with my purpose? If not, then why not? You can watch the video here.
Hearing her speak of this again was a timely reminder.
Since part of my why is to help coaches develop their products and services, I keep tabs on the market and follow a LOT of coaches’ businesses.
One coach in particular – an icon of success, published author of several books, 8-figure earner, – sent out a marketing email last week that started out something like this (I’m paraphrasing loosely):
My house is spotless. I have fresh flowers all the time. My counters are clear…do you know why? Because I decide they will be, and it all comes down to making good decisions…
I understand the potential of our thoughts and how powerful we are when we decide something…In fact, it is CORE to transformational change. But, I missed that message at first.
Instead it triggered a thought spiral that went something like this:
Well my house isn’t spotless, and my counters certainly aren’t clear. I’m not making good decisions, obviously. What’s more, I don’t have control of my life. So, how can I call myself a life coach? I won’t be able to make 0 figures, let alone 6 or 7 or 8 like this…And on and on it went.
I didn’t immediately see how crazy my thoughts were.
And I didn’t stop and question them right away, in part because they lined up perfectly with what society believes (and me as member of said society has previously believed): A spotless house equals a perfect life; making X dollars equals success.
Worse, it all made me forget for a moment why I’m in business in the first place.
I won’t turn away a big salary (or clear counters either for that matter), but it’s not WHY I’m doing this. I’m in business to help other coaches find their home by creating products and services that are aligned with their essence, allowing them to reach the many people in this world that need their gifts and talents, that need their help.
The world needs their goodness, desperately
That’s what I’m here to do and why I’m doing it.
Remembering that is everything.
If you’re a coach or creative, my hunch is that there’s something deep and soul-driven that’s calling you to put your work into the world too.
If so, take time to remember why you’re in business in the first place. It’s so important.
Remembering that will keep you grounded, connected and focused on your purpose – something no marketing email can take away.
Photo by Dennis Buchner on Unsplash