NEW! Ask the Coach Forum

Feeling particularly stuck on a specific issue? Having trouble getting...and staying...motivated? Looking for a new perspective to help you move forward? Post your coaching-related question to my Ask the Coach forum, and I'll be happy to help you out with a little free, online coaching. Best of all, you don't have to provide any personal information and can remain completely anonymous. Check it out today.

Kickstart Your Life!

Originally uploaded by Gary.

As many of you may already know, I've been busy developing a workshop series called Kickstart over the last few months. Co-created with a dynamic coaching colleague, Howard Miller, Kickstart is designed to help members of the gay community who want to get unstuck and move forward in a specific area, need a kick in the pants (or head!) to get a project off the ground, or desire MORE of something in their lives. Ultimately, Howard and I will create a safe and supportive environment where men can harness the power of the group to help realize their individual dreams.

And now, we're finally ready to go primetime with this exciting workshop. So if you know of someone who you think might need a little Kickstart, be sure to pass along our flyer. Or give Kickstart as a gift to that someone special and then slip the flyer into a card to let them know. You can view the Kickstart flyer online or download it for printing.

How are you living your DASH?

"On your tombstone, there will be two dates, the date you were born and the date you died. That little, insignificant line between those two dates—that dash—is your life."

The above quote, from Eric Aronson's book DASH, illustrates quite simply how important it is for everyone to make the most of their time on earth...their DASH. In fact, I liked Eric's message so much, I've recently signed on to become a DASH-certified coach so I can help others learn how to live their lives—their DASHes—to the absolute fullest. It's exciting to be a part of such an exciting new endeavor, and I'll keep everyone up-to-date as I complete my training within the next several weeks. Until then, look for DASH info-mercials coming to a TV near you in the next month or so.

Read more about DASH coaching

Subscribe to my Coaching Blog!

Like most people I know, you've probably got a VERY busy life. But now, at least, you can remove "Check Gary's Coaching Blog" from your mental to-do list. That's because I've just added a handy-dandy "Subscribe" feature to my blog. Just enter your email address on the main page and click the "Subscribe" button. Then, whenever I add a new posting to the blog, you'll get a friendly email notification about the change. Check it out and subscribe today.

See you in the funny papers!

Huh? I don't get it. Maybe I need to have my funny bone checked. But I appreciate this cartoon because it raises the question I hear from many people: So what's the difference between a coaching session and just a conversation with a friend or family member?

When it comes to the loved ones in your life, these people probably really do care about you and want the best for you. And sure, they'll listen to your problems and offer opinions about what you should do. But whether they admit it or not, these people also have an agenda. An agenda that includes maintaining their relationship with you. An agenda that makes sure THEIR needs get met along with yours. It's a natural (and normal) part of these types of relationships.

But a life coaching relationship is different. A coactive life coach has no "agenda" when interacting with you. The agenda comes from you, the client. A coach listens with an open heart, and asks intensely curious questions that get you looking in places you may never have considered before. A coach creates an expansive, open, and supportive environment that encourages you to try new things, play with different perspectives, and really get connected with where you are in your life RIGHT NOW.

In short, a life coach cares for you and your dreams...even when it might seem no one else does.

InsideTrack: Collegiate Coaching

There's something electrifying about being on a college campus. I find it inspiring to be around all those people focused on learning and pursuing their dreams with such passion and commitment. For many of us, college is a time of pure discovery where the roots of our adulthood get established and we really begin to stretch and grow. That's why I was so excited recently to hear about InsideTrack, a coaching company dedicated to helping students make the absolute most out of their college careers. Just imagine what magic can happen when you combine the energy and hopefulness of youth with the power of coaching.

Read more about InsideTrack

Life Coaching Goes to the Movies

I think it's a VERY healthy thing to be able to laugh at yourself. It's a good thing, too, since the upcoming movie, The Life Coach, skewers the profession so completely. With the tagline, "He's there because you're a mess", it's obvious this "mockumentary" is chock full of irreverent humor. But hey, they say ANY publicity is good publicity. Looks like the life coaching profession has finally arrived!
Watch the Life Coach movie trailer here

NPR : Banking on a Future as a Life Coach

Heard this interesting story on life coaching on NPR today. I think it really demonstrates the POWER of coaching in real life and is an inspiration to me as to what can happen when we stop and listen to our hearts.
Listen to the broadcast now

Welcome to my Life Coaching BLOG!

Dreaming of a more satisfying and fulfilling life?
Can't decide what you want to do when you "grow up"?
Feeling trapped by your job or other life circumstances?
Searching for your true passions in life?

Life coaching can help you create the life you truly want.

Gary Humbarger
Certified Professional Coactive Coach
(415) 550-7828
gary@lifecoach4you.com