PROGRESSION: Why I Started a Coaching Firm, How to Audit Your Energy, and the Icarus Deception
August 2022
What a month. So much has happened over the last 31 days. I enjoyed a trip to Oregon with my wife’s family, wrapped things up at Neighbor, sent the kids back to school, and formally announced the launch of my executive coaching business. (More on why I became a coach here.)
While I’ve planned and prepared to make this leap for years, it’s been a step into the unknown. And to be candid, I’ve had my doubts. Am I really ready? Who am I to coach leaders? Should I wait another year?
But then it hit me—regardless of how much I’ve prepped I’ll always feel like there’s more I need to do. More I need to learn. I’m never going to feel 100% ready. But the time is now. I’ve put in the work. It’s go time.
Thanks to all those who’ve supported me in this transition. The reception has been incredible and I’ve signed up three clients this month. More importantly I’m seeing real results from those I work with. If you or someone you know wants to explore coaching, I’d love to have a conversation about what I’m building and how I’m helping leaders scale.
We had a lot of new folks subscribe to the newsletter this month. Thanks for joining! Progression will continue to evolve, and while I’ll continue to share more leadership/coaching content, for now the three sections will remain:
Books, Articles, etc. (the best content I’ve read/discovered)
Observations (content I’ve created, thoughts I have, etc.)
Gratitude (what I’m thankful for)
My hope is that you’ll always find one thing in here that’s valuable in your journey.
Books, Articles, etc.
Energy Audit Exercise (Leadership Development Tool)
I’m a big believer that energy management is just as important as time management. Some types of work drain our energy and leave us exhausted. Other work actually energizes and sustains us.
I’ve used this simple exercise with several of my clients. By identifying the things that energize and drain us we can make better decisions around how we get work done and have a bigger impact.
Iron Cowboy: Redefine Impossible by James Lawrence (Book)
Over the last month I’ve shared several lessons (here’s one) from the Iron Cowboy, the man who completed 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 days in 50 states. Whether you think it’s a worthwhile pursuit or not, it’s unquestionably an amazing accomplishment.
I recently finished the book and was hit with this insight—our perceived limits are just that, perceived. We don’t truly know what our limits are until we test them. We have know idea what we’re actually capable of until we give it our all.
Sidenote: if you’re sick of hearing me talk triathlon, I’m sorry. Be patient. In 17 days I’m participating in my first Ironman so you’ll likely hear more next month. 😉
This Is The Best Career Decision You Can Possibly Make by Ryan Holiday (Article)
Be yourself. Be the best version of yourself. If you’re trying to blend in with others then you’re competing. Peter Thiel said competition is for losers and encourages founders to build a monopoly. If you’re yourself, you are a monopoly because no one else can be like you. Here’s how to make that happen.
Observations
Icarus and the Dangers of Playing It Safe
You’ve heard the Greek myth of Icarus. The first lesson—don’t fly too high—regularly gets shared. But there’s a second lesson that often gets ignored and is more important than ever. (Hat tip to Seth Godin for inspiring this post.)
Show up. Then Keep Showing Up.
What’s the biggest difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? Two simple words: Show up.
That’s it. Show up today. Show up tomorrow. Then keep showing up every day.
I’m writing more frequently and won’t have room to include everything in my newsletter. Check out my blog for more.
Gratitudes
I’ve found power in regularly expressing gratitude so I’ll continue the habit. I’m grateful for Sarah Wagener. Sarah was the Chief People Officer at DoorDash and I reported to her for several years. In a one on one meeting we discussed my development and I shared the goal of becoming an executive coach. She was encouraging and explored how she could help. Because of her, DoorDash ultimately sponsored me in completing a coaching training and certification program. I’ll forever be grateful to Sarah for that.
If you've read anything worth sharing I'd love to hear about it. And do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.