When the student is ready, the teacher appears... Be Ready!!

'WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEARS' has been one of my favorite quotes for many years. When I learn something from someone I am reminded that, "I must have been ready."

So for this reason I was not surprised when Jim and I came together with one goal in mind and WHA-LA a teacher appeared. An opportunity presented itself at the exact time we were open and a more-than-capable mentor was driving it.

The challenging thing about considering someone as a mentor, teacher, coach is that you are willing to hand them your proficiency and allow them to strengthen weakness and correct wrongs. The opportunity itself is not a strong enough teacher.

Of course this is for your own benefit and if their instruction is graciously taken and implemented you are better for it... BUT IT HURTS!!!

I am a Pleaser.. I want to please people. I want to help people. I want to be LIKED. This is a strength and a weakness. So of course, with a mentor, I want them to like me and I want to be doing things that make them happy with me... Proud of me.

It is this very quality that keeps me from truly being the success I know I am made to be.

Another favorite quote is: A man who has himself as a coach, has a foolish coach.

I have been my own coach for too long. I have been easy on myself. I have allowed excuses, whining and good intentions to take the place of goals, strategy and achievement.

After spending 45 minutes on the phone with my coach, I have been called out! He asked if I was ready to give up what people thought of me in order to win. He said I wasn't doing enough... and he knew that because I wasn't talking to him everyday. He started telling me about other people he's coaching who are lapping me...that just ticked me off!!

I am ready!! I have had HUGE dreams and wimpy goals for too long! I can't get where I want to be with wimpy, sick action taking place. My dreams have been like wanting to explore the moon but using a bottle rocket to get there.

It's time! I have the right support system and coach in place. Someone I respect, someone who is where I want to be and someone who does 'like' me and is willing to have valuable conversation while kick'in my butt a little too.... Thank you Scott!

What about you? Are you coaching yourself? Is your spouse coaching you? Either way, you can not get where you want to go in that vehicle. Be willing to submit to an outsider and then BE READY! No one wants to hear that they aren't cutting it, but take it, process it and move on it. You'll be better for it!