CLIENT STORY:
Work Less Make More!

Meet Mike Towle,
Independent Professional Writer:

Q: How did you hear about coaching and why did you hire Kristin to be your coach?

A: I was searching around for career counseling and I came across her Web site. I hired Kristin because after our first informational conversation, I knew she could really help me become clear on my goals. I called her on a day when I was really frustrated with my job and my life. She could see where I was at on every issue and I really knew she could help me get back on the road to a fulfilling life.

My main goals were to:

• Find a way to get what I wanted out of my personal and professional life (more enjoyment).
• Leave my stressful job and find a way to work from home.
• Find more time and energy to spend with my kids and especially the new baby we had on the way.

Q: What was memorable or meaningful about your coaching experience with Kristin?

A: She helped me plan my small business based on my skills and abilities and we tailored it to meet my life needs. By the time my daughter was born, I was working from home -- making more than I did with my former employer -- and spending more time with my kids than I ever had. I've maintained that work/life balance I created ever since. I would never go back to what I was doing or the life I was leading. I have enormous appreciation for Kristin and what she helped me do.

Q: Why do you think coaching works? What about it worked for you?

A: Kristin really helped me become clear on things that I just could not get in focus. She was really wonderful about seeing areas of opportunity that I just hadn't thought about. Moreover, she helped me create a framework to work within. Every week I had objectives and each one helped me get closer to my larger goal. It's really empowering to see yourself building something into reality that you once only thought was a dream.

Q: What are Kristin's strengths as a coach?

A: She cares about her clients and their success. She cares about you personally and professionally and helps you see how you can mix both and still be happy.

Q: Do you feel your coaching dollars were worth it? What were the tangible and intangible results?

A: It was the smartest money I ever spent. If you look at it only from a financial standpoint, I make more than double what I did in my old career. I'm doing something I love to do in a way that I love doing it. I have a new career that I'm much happier in and I feel less stressed which has impacted my whole family.

Coach's Comments

Mike is an example of someone I coached several years ago. He still stands out in my mind. I wanted to include his story to demonstrate the lasting effects of coaching. Coaching really sticks to your ribs! Mike was a joy to coach even though he was stressed out, as he mentioned, during our first call. I could see a more serene and successful lifestyle for Mike and I was incredibly excited to help him get there.

One coaching exercise that stands out in my mind was the creation of an "anchor." Oftentimes, I ask my client to find a visual representation of their goal. Looking at it on a daily basis helps ground them to their higher vision. In Mike's case, he described his ideal day which included time with his kids and his dog at the park. At the time this seemed like a bit of a stretch since he was a very busy reporter on Capitol Hill, working long hours each day.

One of Mike's assignments was to stage that "perfect day" scene in the park and capture it on film. This picture provided him the anchor he needed and was a constant reminder to keep going while he started his new freelance writing business. As a result of being grounded in this vision, Mike was able to take some serious action towards his new business start up. He was one of the most disciplined clients I've ever coached and that's why I think coaching worked for him. Plus, he was driven to create a better lifestyle for his family so he could spend more time with them...which is exactly what he's doing today.

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