Stop The Press How One Man's Finally Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream: Max's Story

Stop the press How One Man's Finally Fullfilling A Lifelong Dream: Max's Story

According to research, more than seventy per cent of our workforce are not in love with their job! In fact, quite a proportion hate what they do—many sighting boredom and burnout as two of the main culprits.

They wake up each day at the same time, commute the same route, work from the same office building alongside the same work colleagues each and every day. Many of them even enjoy the same coffee order each morning. Unfortunately, this repetition of the wash, spin, dry, and repeat often result in the same outcome across many older workforce members: boredom and burnout.

It’s no surprise that doing the same thing each day naturally results in a state of exhaustion. When Max came to me, this was precisely how he was feeling. Then, one day, he woke up and realized that he didn’t really know who he was, what he enjoyed, or what his future looked like.

Follow his dreams

Max turned 54 in June. As a young professional, he promised himself that he would follow his dreams and pursue greatness, just like his father – an explorer and avid adventurer.

Unfortunately, like many of us have experienced, life crept upon him. Suddenly, twenty hears had flown by and he was looking into the bathroom mirror, wondering who was staring back at him. He knew something had to change.

During his morning commute that day, Max overheard two people talking about coaching. One of the women mentioned how much being coached had helped her clarify the direction she wanted for her life. Little does she know; she sparked something in Max that led him to investigate coaching for himself that day.

Eventually, Max came to see me, and after our initial conversation about how coaching works and managing expectations, we explored the topics that fired him up. What was he passionate about, and what made him feel alive? I asked him whether he had a superhero, role model, or someone he admired. Max sat up in his chair, a tell tale sign that I had hit a nerve.

As a coach, it’s my job to ask the questions that evoke emotion and help my clients tap into their most significant feelings and memories.

Max’s eyes welled up with tears, and we sat in silence for a few moments as he pondered what to say next. He then shared with me that his father was his biggest inspiration, and I observed how animated he was as he recalled all the wonderful stories of his father’s adventures – a real-life Indiana Jones. I left Max with some homework that day: to write a story, looking back on his life, about what he wanted to be remembered for and what he wanted to achieve – following on the legacy of all the wonderful stories his father had left him with.

The bigger picture

Coaching is all about taking action. It’s about looking forward to the bigger picture and imagining the “what if?”

The best way to move forward is to keep the end in mind; taking the client to the future opens their mind to what is possible. By asking clients – like Max – to paint a picture in their mind and put it into words, we’re able to work backwards together through time, eventually landing on the present.

Once we’ve done this, we can create an outline of steps and milestones that eventually lead us to the success we dream of.

At our next session, Max returned eager to share his homework with me. He told me that the exercise I’d assigned him was eye-opening and helped him truly consider what’s important to him. He told me, “I think I’ve found myself.” These words are like magic to my ears.

Ultimately, coaching is a conversation between two people. My job, as a coach, is not to advise, direct, or tell a client what to do. Instead, by asking open-ended questions and raising their awareness about what is possible, I can equip my clients with the resources and insights they need to reinvent themselves and achieve their ideal outcomes.

Max’s story about looking back on his life was full of adventure and excitement. I was so excited for him. Our sessions took on a renewed energy and passion; I must admit, my job was almost done.

Finally, after all our hard work together. All that was left for Max to do was to put his goal in action, the what, where, and when he was going to achieve it – so, Max decided to leave behind his 7:15 commute into Euston and instead, opted for an 11:15 out of Heathrow where he left to fulfil his dream of adventuring to Peru.

The final text message I received from Max read: “What, where and when goal completed. Thank you for all your help, Gary.” I even have the postcards to prove it!

If you have been inspired by Max story…

What people say about me?

INCREASED JOHN'S CONFIDENCE.

I now feel more confident in taking charge of my life. Coaching has facilitated my understanding that I hold the answers about how to change things that aren’t working for me. I find that I’m thinking more clearly and rationally and am happier in myself as a result. With his comfortable style and listening skills, Gary’s coaching has influenced my life in a positive way

I LEFT THE SESSION WITH EXCITEMENT AND POSSIBILITY. WITHIN 2 MONTHS MY TURNOVER INCREASED BY 20%.

I was sceptical about how life coaching would approach my situation, I must say Gary made me feel very at ease during the ‘face to face’ intake session he went through the whole process managing expectations around how life coaching differs from counselling, consulting and mentoring I found that process very informative and left the ‘intake session’ with a sense of excitement and possibility!

AFTER WORKING WITH GARY. I APPLIED FOR A PROMOTION AND GOT IT AND A HUGE RAISE.

Having never worked with a life coach before, I really did not know what to expect. Wow, was I surprised! I found out I could make it whatever I needed. Working with Gary has been incredible. He knows his stuff.

GARY INSPIRED ME TO GET MY BOOK PUBLISHED.

Hi Gary, I was blown away by yesterdays session and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated you ‘having my back’ believing in my potential and inspiring me to believe in it so much more than I did, that I have expanded my vision and taken a big leap rather than a baby step forward. Facilitating me to get clear about my values helped put everything I want to do in perspective on a much more profound level and I came away feeling inspired, motivated and that your contribution had enabled all of the above and more. You certainly did what it says on the (your) tin! With much gratitude

IF ONLY I HAD FOUND GARY HALL COACHING YEARS AGO, I WOULD PROBABLY BE RUNNING THE COUNTRY!

As someone who has experience of counseling and frequently asked myself the question “has it made any difference”, it is easy to explain the significance and difference of Life Coaching with Gary Hall. It was clear from the outset that Gary is passionate about his chosen career and this all adds to a wonderful experience in assisting others to find the passion within themselves to achieve great things. If only I had found Gary Hall Coaching years ago, I would probably be running the Country! Many thanks for your experience, support, and belief in me.

IT GAVE ME THE CLARITY TO SEE A NEW DIRECTION AND PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE.

I certainly had my “reawakening” with this programme. It opened my eyes to areas I never thought were important to me. It gave me the clarity to see a new direction and purpose for my life.

Like what you read and want to learn more. We should talk. It costs nothing to chat with me, and I’m always happy to answer your questions about coaching.

Let's get on with shaping your new future

To find out what’s important to you and the next steps on your journey, here’s what I offer.

Stop the press How One Man's Finally Fullfilling A Lifelong Dream: Max's Story

Follow his dreams

The bigger picture

What people say about me?

Let's get on with shaping your new future

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