Friends play such an important role in our lives and making intentional choices influence the quality of our lives as well as our coaching. It’s not the quantity as much as the quality that counts.
According to author Carlin Flora in her book, Friendfluence, friends can give you vital life skills, “the very abilities one generally needs to be successful in life” (p. 6). There are many perks of friendship include sharpening your mind, increasing your happiness, knowing yourself better, helping you reach your goals, advancing your career, and living a longer and healthier life.
For me, my trusted advisors hold a variety of roles, which reflect the facets of my personality.
My husband sits at my table as my closest friend as does a girlfriend of 30 years. A dear pastor friend, two coaching mentor friends, a prayer partner and a daughter also sit at my table and pour into my life. I also have a college roommate who I know I can call at anytime and a business friend who loves me just the way I am. I can only handle a few friends at my table at one time. Of course, we don’t meet all at once, but I visualize them sitting at my table and I know who I can call for what.
Also sitting around my table are long-time friends, people I might not see as often as I would like. but it comforts me to know that if I need them, they are there for me. Keeping in touch with longtime friends takes effort, but research shows it is worth the effort. I love knowing I have friends I can call on at a moment’s notice and I treasure the moments we share together.
As Susan Krauss Whitbourne , a professor of psychology at University of Massachusetts Amherst and author of the book, The Search for Fulfillment, writes, “The upshot is, you need friends and they need you.” As a solopreneur and coach, it’s easy to get so caught up in building your business that you don’t take time out for friends. Don’t make that mistake.
What about you? How do you connect with your friends? Who is around your conference table? How do you access the knowledge and wisdom of your friends and how do you share yours? Take time now to determine who is at your table and make intentional plans for either connecting with the friends you have or asking God to help you seek out new friends that will help you grow in areas that will stretch you. I know you will be a healthier and more inspired coach!
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