Finding Your Own Story

Do you ever wonder why your life, your story, your journey, doesn’t seem to go like other people’s?
 
I spend a lot of time listening to people’s stories. Their stories reveal things about them – their perspectives, their strengths, their expectations and hopes, and the ways they perceive the world. With few exceptions, most people see little value in their own unique story.
 
It would be easier if you could simply live a retelling of a great story you know and value, but that’s not how life works. Like the heroes of great stories, if your story is to be great you, too, must go through difficulties and pain to make the triumphs and the “getting there” worthwhile. But it’s important to remember that the heroes of great stories don’t just “get there“ by themselves, they always have help. I serve as a guide to help people live great stories.
 
Below are unsolicited emails that I received from two of my clients last month – one I served recently and the other a couple of years ago – they wanted to let me know how they’re doing. Ironically, they both decided their stories would be best if they stayed in the careers they had when we started the career coaching process but  lived their stories differently. (Please know that I asked their permission to share these, then changed important details to preserve their anonymity.)
 
My hope is that you might find hope for your own story in theirs.
 
From Dara, a medical radiologist, wife and mother in her thirties:
"Good morning Dr. Jim!
I wanted to pass along my sincerest gratitude to you for your expert help, listening ear, and kindness throughout this [career coaching] process. I do feel a great sense of peace, direction, hope, focus & excitement now.

Compare this to my sense of frustration, resentment, and generally feeling stuck & I am on a different planet! The journey continues, but I now have an inner compass that is in working order.
 
I have often thought of you as my Gandolf in this journey. I hope this is received as a high compliment because I mean it as such!!

Thank you again. I’m looking forward to checking back in a few weeks."
 
From Bill, a nonprofit director, husband and father in his forties:
"Good afternoon Jim!
It's been a while since we last spoke, but I wanted to fill you in on my progress. In June of last year, the organization that I was working for decided to become part of a larger foundation here in our state.
 
I was already in the process of pursuing other [career] options up to this point but decided to see if this change might help me move forward, so I decided to stay. Immediately my new employer observed that: 1.) I was grossly underpaid for the work I had put into building our programs and immediately gave me a raise; and 2.) They took A LOT off my plate that they saw as an impediment to me continuing to grow our programs. So, the immediate impact made my job a better fit for me. Then, in December of last year, I was promoted to Statewide Director, overseeing operations from Memphis to Bristol, and points in between.
 
After meeting with you I feel more confident in myself and I know my boundaries in my work life, which has in turn made my personal life that much better. Thank you for everything you did to help me find my strengths in life!"

You don't get taught how to create a story worth telling with your life, but great stories (and lives) don't happen by accident. Like I said, I serve as a guide to help people live great stories. I’m always eager for a free conversation about how you can live a life that's a great story. Just click here, and we’ll set something up.

My Best to You! 
Dr. Jim Bailey