It's Bitter Or Better

“Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up.  They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be.”

– Charlie (Tremendous) Jones

(1927-2008) Author / Speaker

One of the difficult things to deal with as a coach is when your client faces the inevitable issue of disappointment.  They will have plans and dreams that will fall through.  They will work hard to achieve a goal only to watch it fall apart before them.  We all face these times, but that knowledge does not always make it easy when it happens to you or those you are working with.

                The issue here really is not the disappointment or struggles people face, but rather what we do when that happens.  Here is where the success-minded person can shine their brightest.  That happens when determination and persistence replace disappointment and discouragement.

                As a coach, it is our place to use this time as a life lesson.  Help your client to understand that setbacks and failures are all a part of success.  In fact, as the great Dale Carnegie once said, "Develop success from failure.  Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success."  It is the person who never fails, who never faces defeat, who never feels discouraged that never succeeds.

                The coach is never one who comforts by surrender.  They will not encourage a defeated client to give up, go back or accept defeat.  The coach is the one who will lovingly apply a swift kick to the backside and say, "Time to get moving and this time we will win!"

                Encouragement is far more than a pat on the back or agreement that something is worthwhile.  Encouragement is helping others to be determined and never give up.  The help them see that their dreams are not just worth dying for, but living for.

                You matter to the world.  You are here to make a difference and that difference is good.  Remember the qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best.  Love God.  Have good manners. Discover the unknown.  Change the world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey