Even with taking the month of August off, changes are happening in my business. I’m beginning an alliance with a company I highly admire. We have our first event at the very end of the month which has already sold out. I love everything this company stands for, a reflection of the woman entrepreneur who founded it and whose vision is represented: Eileen Fisher.
This is in stark contrast to other work relationships in my mix. Most of my clients show up every week with their field work rigorously completed and their agenda firmly in hand. Others, not so much. When I notice myself complaining or feeling victimized by these relationships, I need to ask what my role is in it. I never like the answer. I need to take responsibility.
The coach I worked with during my certification training made me fire a client which terrified me. This entrepreneur was a crazy-maker. While I consistently keep my coaching hours to Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 95% of my clients, I was finding myself on the phone with him on Sunday mornings, New Year’s Day, etc. What was wrong with this picture?
The challenge? The Universe has handed me (with a lot of persistence on my part) exactly what I’ve been looking for. My job is to let go of the jail cell bars that keep me attached to working with clients who aren’t showing up to do the work on their end. The bars are holding me in, but when I look to my left, to my right and behind me, there are no bars. I need to trust that and let go.
I wish there could be a written message that says, “Pssst, Jane, we’re giving you what you’ve been praying for. This opportunity is the sign you’ve been waiting for. You can let go now.”
Am I the only one who needs a burning bush?
Thanks for your post! As a Spiritual Life Coach, I believe that Spiritual Life Coaching can expand lives and businesses to the highest we can get it.
http://www.coachingfromspiritchallenge.com/do-you-know-that-working-with-sharon-wilson-and-spiritual-life-coaching-can-take-your-business-to-the-next-level/
the burning bush is terrifying when it appears…followed by a calmness in knowing you are doing the right thing by firing a client.. my greatest fear was what would the client say about me to their public-my future opportunities for work.. i have found that the listeners understand the source of any discontent about me because of a well established reputation that trumps the ” the crazy maker”. twice in a 30+ year career i have returned retainers–not bad!
@Elaine
Thanks for sharing your sentiments on this subject. Of course, you’ve articulated exactly the great fear: my reputation being tarnished. And then you remind me of the truism: Consider the source. I appreciate your wisdom so much.
@Sharon
Putting ‘Spiritual’ in your job description is so courageous. I’m sure it helps you attract clients who really want these lessons. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you Jane. It was the bit I needed this morning. I am having trouble letting go of a relationship far more personal than ‘business.’ I am not afraid of a tarnished reputation but guilt at not being able to save it…make it all right….of neglecting my duty. I have been ‘half’ letting go. My bars are guilt. Identifying the bars is making a shift in me as I speak/write.
No, you’re not the only one, Jane.
I have to constantly remind myself that if my hands are holding on tight, I can’t open them to receive.
I recently had to fire a client as well. There are some people who, no matter how you help them, are the source of their own undoing. It’s a mental thing.
Their challenges are not our fault, but our own self preservation and well being is our responsibility. I learned THAT in therapy! 🙂
See you on the 31st!
-Lena
@Julianne
There’s nothing like getting an issue down in black and white to help us face the truth. Often, I embellish and enlarge what is. When I write it down, it miraculously shrinks back to normal proportions. I’m able to deal with those–with a little help from friends and caring people.
@Lena
I love the image of opening up our death grip on an issue in order to receive. My coach has me working on my receiving mode these past few weeks. I can use your visual to help me with that. Thanks! See you tomorrow night in White Plains.