How to be a life coach...

A bit of humor for the boys in the pub. Whenever I tell lads in the pub that I am a life coach inevitably I am asked "How does one become a life coach?" In order to expand the understanding of this new professional field allow me... There are 5 things you need to be a life coach.

First, in order to be a life coach one must BELIEVE he is a life coach. So when someone asks you what you do for a living, you don't say, "I'm unemployed" but "I'm a life coach!" Say it without any irony.

Two. Business cards. I nicked this idea from another coach but it's true. What goes onto your card? Buy my e-book "How to be a life coach" for details.

Next. You will need communication devices such as A4 paper, ball point pens, phone and computer to write things and record your earnings. See my e-book to find office suppliers near you.

Four. You need a website and blog. Check!

Lastly, in order to be a life coach you need to have many books written by other life coaches, gurus, psychologists, whatever... If you can't be hassled to read, jut watch Star Wars trilogy... as well buy my e-book "How to be a life coach".

Congratulations, you are well on your way to being a LIFE COACH.

The Power of Redescription and forgiveness

Tim Brownson, one of my Life Coaching heroes (the first actually) talks about 'reframing'. I use the term 'redescribe' which philosopher, Richard Rorty, used in "Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity." Basically, take every event in you life and give it a narrative - this narrative can have an empowering, disempowering, or neutral effect on you. For example, if someone came from an abusive household they might say that because they came from a dysfunctional family they are doomed to failed relationships and unhappiness. They may blame their parents, siblings, teachers, friends etc for the way their life has gone.

A redescription or reframing of the aforementioned might sound like this: while there were many challenges to overcome and pain to experience, I am not bound to continually punish myself for what happened in the past - I acknowledge there was pain and frustration for us all and let it go. I forgive myself for the choices I have made and forgive others as well.

Know what you want EXACTLY

When I was a little kid my mom wanted me to play an instrument. A little thing called MTV brought my attention to hard rock and heavy metal bands like Van Halen, Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses and I fell in love with the drums. My objective was never so crystal - I was going to learn drums so I could play along to my favorite songs like my favorite drummers. While much of my life has been marred with indecision, the one thing I ever did with total and complete determination was play the drums. It started before I even had drums with air drums, tapping on table tops, playing with chopsticks. Then I took lessons and my parents bought me a drum kit. When I started I had no interest so much in fame or wealth - it was just the funnest and most natural thing I could imagine in the world - the question of why do it was absurd like asking someone why they listen to their favorite music or eat their favorite food? I never considered the possibility that I would not learn to be a good drummer. I just did it.

I wish for everyone clarity of purpose.