First Things First

"Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house."

- Proverbs 24:27 / NASV

It is exciting to start your own coaching practice.  You have a desire to help others be the best they can be and to fulfill their purpose from God, just as you are doing by helping them.  However, it is far too easy, and too often done, to put the cart before the horse.  Before you start your coaching, there are a few things you need to be sure to do.

Get the training you need

                You may be very gifted in talking with people and helping your friends, however, that is not the same as coaching.  Coaching should not be taken lightly.  You are stepping into people's lives and what you say and do can lead them to success or failure.  Get the good training you need.

Don't give up your day job

                Once you start coaching you will need to work it around your work schedule, not your work schedule around your coaching.  Few coaches earn enough to make it their living.  If, in time, that happens, well and good, however, do not put yourself into financial distress so you can call yourself a coach.

Seek the guidance of the Lord

                Coaches should pray and pray often.  I have talked with far too many coaches (same problem pastor's have) who feel they are so busy they have no time to pray.  If you do not have time to pray, you do not have the power to do anything else.

Get a coach or mentor

                Seems odd to tell someone who is going into coaching to find their own coach, but it is something to truly consider.  Just as others need you as a coach to help the work through decisions and directions in their life and career, so you too need this help with your own.  None of us can do it all on our own, we need each other to succeed.

                Always remember that you matter to the world.  God placed you here to make a difference and that difference is good.  You possess the qualities of a real success-minded person, which are to: 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