Get Out of Your Own Way!

Getting in your own way is a form of self-sabotage. Most of the time we are the only thing getting in our way of achieving our goals. The four brutal mistakes people make that cause their own sabotage are:

1. Staying in their comfort zone

2. Staying stuck in fear

3. Inability to predict and manage risk

4. Denying the part of themselves that wants to create, grow and improve

Beware. In your pursuit of success, you will find that you will encounter many fears, obstacles and hardships that will take you outside your comfort zone. There will be a strong pull to stop your efforts. You will be tempted to return to your comfort zone. This is normal. There may be times when you will need to stop for a while, in order to adjust to the changes you are encountering. Sometimes it takes time to adjust to a new level of "havingness." Your psyche needs to adjust to the changes. Even positive change is stressful. Allow yourself some time to relax, then "psyche yourself up" to move on to the next task in your pursuit.

There are also times when we are so uncomfortable with change, that we will actually sabotage our own success. We are uncomfortable because things are not familiar. The subconscious mind equates "familiar" with "safe." Therefore, anything that does not feel familiar may feel unsafe, thereby causing a great deal of anxiety. Our anxiety may manifest itself in mild to serious sabotage. Some people are afraid of failure, while others are afraid of success. This is what keeps us stuck in the status quo, conforming to the "norm" as we see it. You need to evaluate your risk - whether it is too risky or too comfortable. This evaluation is an ongoing internal and external process.

I often hear people say "I want to do it but I just can't seem to get myself to do it." When this happens, the person is in touch with their "wanting to" but not in touch with their "not-wanting to" which is preventing their action. Action blocks are usually forms of denial or "dissociation." It is important to get in touch with the part of you that wants to change, grow, create and improve.

It is also very helpful to get some therapy or coaching at this point, as making changes will bring up issues you may need assistance in working through. A good coach or therapist can also help you create a "genogram" which is a family map. Find out what success level your relatives achieved and what may have blocked them from further success. This can help you to either re-create some of their positive achievements and to not repeat their blocks.

---and then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

---Anais Nin

Let's Get Off Our "But's"

If you are not already taking action toward your goal, it is either not what you really want or you have obstacles that need to be overcome. Let's take Donna for example. Donna states she would like to be a competitive tennis player. Donna has been thinking about playing tennis for quite some time, but has not yet started playing. She has not even started reading about tennis or watching tennis matches. Not only has she never played tennis, she hasn't even found out where the tennis courts are in her neighborhood. She does not own a tennis racquet and has not signed up for lessons. My question to Donna would be, "Is playing tennis competitively what you really, really, really, really want? Or is it just a wish or fantasy?" If she says it is what she really wants, then I would ask her, "Why haven't you started yet?" I would find out what her obstacles are (or her perceived obstacles) and determine if this goal is realistic for her, or if it is her true desire. If it is a strong desire, I would recommend coaching for her to assist her in overcoming her obstacles so she can begin taking action.

You see, if you really, really, really, really want something, you will start right away! Your passion for this desire will be so strong that you won't be able to NOT do it! You will at least be taking action steps toward your goal. Remember, by the inch it's a cinch, by the yard it's hard. Take a small step toward your goal today.

---People are always blaming their circumstances for where they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them .

---George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

Michele is professional but at the same time down to earth and easy to talk to. I feel comfortable with her and she's made it easy for me to be open about my issues. She asks good questions that get to the heart of the matter. She's gentle and kind but will still hold you accountable. She's knowledgeable in matters of addiction and recovery which is intrinsic to her coaching. Things are better after working with her. Michele will help you make positive changes in your life and recovery. - Rena

Six months ago, I thought I'd give Recovery Life Coach a try and am shocked at the progress I've made in such a short amount of time. For years I treaded water in areas of my life that I wanted to change, but didn't know how. I tried on my own, but went back to old habits. Michele helped me take action to change the things I can. As a result? I've achieved more financial stability, job security, and manage my day-to-day activities with less stress and more productivity. I'm accountable for the first time in years. Michele is the ultimate coach: empathic, energizing, motivating and seems to know how to say the right at the right time. I couldn't have made all the progress without her coaching. - Annie

Michele has been an enormous help to me. Life coaching is the "missing piece" for many of us in recovery who are looking to take action on fulfilling our best life. As someone who has been in recovery for many years, I find that I need extra assistance, beyond therapy and sponsorship, towards achieving personal and professional goals. The individualized attention and targeted exercises that life coaching provide helps the sober person move past mental blocks and emotional traps that kept us from taking risks. Specific assignments require the type of accountability that enable me to move past character defects (or defenses) that prevent me from reaching my goals. What strikes me most about Michele is she listens without judgement--something those of us in recovery need in order to feel safe when facing change. Her calm and kind demeanor make speaking with her a pleasure .I highly recommend working with Michele for those who are in recovery. - Victoria