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I want to tell you a story from long before I was a coach, but very relevant to my here and now.  And given what my clients say, probably relevant to you as well.

It’s a simple one … yet profound in its import.

Why am I talking?

In business, as in life, the strength of your connections with other people plays a huge part in the success of your relationships.  The strength of your relationships naturally translates to the success … or lack thereof … of any business you’re running.

Any physicist will tell you that light exhibits the characteristics of both particle and wave.  I’m partial to the wave aspect of light, and I think there’s something to be gained from becoming “less particle and move wave” as we move through our lives.

I know that my sound a little odd but hang with me.  This is a line of thinking we get from the ever-transformational Dr. Joe Dispenza.

For many folks in business, 2024 was a tough year.  People seemed hesitant to spend money and commit to goods and services they needed and wanted.

But the calendar changes and the seasons move on.  And the start of the New Year is often filled with promise.

Everything has its season … and so does your business.

This year, I’m feeling an optimism in the world I haven’t felt in a while.  I hear it in my client’s voices.  And I’m seeing it in my number of new clients.

Since the beginning of December, I have closed 8 new clients … three new leaders from a corporate client, three new business owners from a training program I led in December, one referral, and one person who heard me speak back in July and is now ready to commit.

There’s a book I’d recommend to everyone out there … Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff.  It’s chock full of life coaching lessons that inform every aspect of our lives.

I was re-reading it recently as part of my morning practice and came across this story that really touched my heart and made me cry.

Let that be fair warning. 

It doesn’t get any sweeter, heartwarming or tear-jerking than this.

Think you’re pretty smart?

Really?

Computers can process information and “think” through complex problems so much more quickly and more accurately than we can that we look positively dumb in comparison.

That’s why everybody’s so het up on artificial intelligence.  It allows us to do things it would take us humans forever to accomplish if we could accomplish them at all.

But are we really talking about actual intelligence when it comes to AI?

Not really.

Sometimes you have to re-learn a lesson, so it sticks.  It’s unfortunate, but as human beings that often seems to be the case.  Even a 20-year business coach can get stuck in that loop!

Let me explain with a story.

During the recent hurricane here in WNC, I was reminded of a distinction I learned as a brand-new life coach 20+ years ago … one that would serve all of us well to keep in mind!

Thomas Leonard, the founder of Coach U, who many consider the “father” of coaching, created a Personal Foundation Program.  It’s a pretty intense undertaking, with ten foundational steppingstones designed to enhance your personal and professional success and fulfillment.

These life affirming steps include foundational pieces such as getting rid of the things you’re tolerating, raising your standards, strengthening your boundaries, and living a life aligned with your values.  All important elements if you’re going to be happy in this world.

Enter the hurricane.

You’re smart.  You’re knowledgeable.  You have the requisite professional skills to be great at the work you do or the service you provide … and you care.

Congratulations.  You’ve got the whole package.

Or do you?

There’s another key success factor … a personal attribute … that’s less tangible.  And it can be just as important to what you’re able to accomplish in your business … and to the quality of your personal relationships … as intelligence, education, experience, positive intent, thoughtfulness, etc.

What is this mysterious intangible element?

Ten days without power and water.  Thirteen days without internet … and still counting … and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We’re safe.  The puppy is safe.  The house is undamaged.  Power was finally restored this weekend.

We can get out, weaving through the remnants of the 22 downed trees … mostly huge oaks … and lots of downed wires … to get to a larger road.  We have to stick to the far side of the road to avoid where the roadbed on the dam above the twin lakes has collapsed.  It’s a mess.