When someone contacts me, a lot of times it’s because they feel stuck in their problem. They probably spent some time trying to solve them on their own, and maybe even tried a few other methods that didn’t give them the results they were looking for. When they finally come to me, they have a certain expectation about what will happen and how coaching is going to help them “fix” their problem and even them selves. Then I explain to them, that it’s not really the case and not what the process is all about.
Today I received a recommendation letter from a client, with whom I recently worked for a couple of months. I want to share it with you, as it really captured both: the expectation people come in with and what actually takes place. David does a really good job of describing what the work we do together is all about.
Here is the letter:
“Before I started working with Gene Plotkin, I felt stuck. My life was happening all around me and I didn’t know how to steer it or in what direction. I was second-guessing myself all the time and not sure of who I was or what I wanted. Simply put, I was lost.
These problems affected my relationship with my family, friends, dating, and work. I had a huge lack of confidence, low energy, and a lot of frustration. I was trying to be someone that wasn’t me and it was time for a change.
I started working with Gene because I thought he could help me sort things out and give me the insight I needed to make all my goals a success. I thought he could unlock my true potential and everything would just work out. Like there was a magic button for happiness and I just hadn’t found it yet.
I was very wrong. What Gene did for me was so much more than this. He helped me to see what my goals really are. He helped me to realize that most of what I thought I wanted wasn’t in line with my true values and desires. I was living other people’s expectations. He helped me to strip away all that isn’t me and gave me the tools to go after what I want.
Because of Gene I now have more confidence, more energy, more passion for life. I no longer feel stuck or lost. I now feel open to whatever possibilities are out there for me. I’m not tied to this or that; I’m free to accept what ever comes my way. I have the flexibility and the freedom to live my life without fear. That little voice in my head that questions everything I do, that tells me I’m not good enough, that makes me scared, is gone.
All of my expectations about working with Gene have been greatly surpassed. I came into this wanting someone to fix me. I left knowing I didn’t need to be fixed; I just needed to let go of all that holding me back. Gene didn’t just make my issues and problems go away, he guided me through them and empowered me to do it for myself.
As an investor in the stock market I can tell you that my psychology can often be the deciding factor between a good trade and a bad one. My emotions, doubts, fears, and expectations, all play a role in my success or failure as a trader. I can honestly say without a doubt that working with Gene Plotkin has been the best investment I have ever made. Improving my confidence and my self worth is a return on investment that will pay dividends for the rest of my life.
Today I feel unstoppable. I know that I have what it takes to live the life of my dreams. Everyday I have a choice, and the choices are infinite. I’m so excited about the future and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
David Gonyo”
I especially enjoyed what he had to say about trying to find the “magic button for happiness”. I can’t tell you how often I see people come in with this type of mind set. In today’s culture of instant gratification, you can find a lot of books and coaches that will promise to show you where your magic button is. It’s a great way to sell books and services to people desperate to believe it. However, in my experience there is no magic button, bullet or wand. What works, is a process based on feedback and constant improvement. For good results there always has to be effort on the part of the client.
Thanks for reading.