Benefits of Working with a Personal Coach of Trainer

Linda Furiate
Handout

[HOST_Carolann] Well there may be a few latecomers, but maybe we will get started now.
[HOST_Carolann] Welcome everyone! And a special welcome to Linda Furiate who will be speaking on the benefits of a personal coach.
[HOST_Carolann] There is a special handout prepared which you can get by going to www.restministries.org/CHAT/handout_furiate.pdf
[HOST_Carolann] Welcome Linda, and I will turn our time over to you.
Guest_Linda> Hello All thank you for coming
Guest_Linda> I would like to introduce myself. I am a personal coach and mentor specializing in helping people with physical disabilities and/or limitations reach their personal and professional goals. I will also work with others without disabilities who are interested in my coaching services
Guest_Linda> I have over 15 years of life experience overcoming adversity and moving through many of life's challenges. After years of what I thought to be "enough adversity" life slapped me with a physical disability call cervical dystonia - a neurological movement disorder that affects the muscles in the neck causing abnormal posturing and positioning to that portion of the body. It's quite disabling and often painful
Guest_Linda> Over the past 10 years the dystonia has not kept me from working but at times has very much limited my ability to work on a full time basis. Over the years I have worked for other companies outside my home and have been self-employed, working from a home office - on again, off again promoting Portraits in Determination
Guest_Linda> In the spring of 2004 I severely developed dystonic symptoms once again forcing me to quit my full time and very lucrative marketing job. To me this was a sign from God that I needed to dedicate my life to helping others and more aggressively market my coach and mentoring work through Portraits in Determination. The good news is my dystonia symptoms are almost completely gone.
Guest_Linda> In the past year I published my first book 101 Simple Suggestions and Quotations to Express Compassion and Empathy and re-started a cable access television show I host and produce, also called Portraits in Determination. I have updated my website www.portraitsindetermination.com to include my coaching services.
Guest_Linda> Today I would like to discuss the benefits of hiring a coach to help you further along your path in life.
Guest_Linda> Does anyone have any questions so far?
[HOST_Carolann] Maybe you could explain what is "a coach", unless maybe you will explain that later on?
Guest_Linda> A coach is a person who is able to help another work through issues and challenges that they may not being able to do on their own. Its a nice support system
Guest_Linda> A coach can help a person professionally and/or personally
Alice> What cable channel is your show on, and what day and time?
Guest_Linda> My show is on in Howard County Maryland - its a cable access show.
Alice> Thank you
Guest_Linda> I am looking to broaden in new markets - if they have an access channel
Guest_Linda> When I first begin working with a client I ask them to think of 3-4 areas of their live they want to improve/change
Guest_Linda> If you are like me at times it is very hard to reach out to others and ask for help. There are many people out there waiting to help - but you have to be willing to ask for the help. It's like the old saying "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." It's the same with coaching - I can advise you of my services but you have to inquire and ask for my services. Otherwise I will be over stepping my boundaries possibly pushing myself upon you when you are not ready.
Guest_Linda> Coaching can help with - Become more organized
Guest_Linda> Become a better listener
Guest_Linda> Have more time for yourself (and still get everything done)
Guest_Linda> Discover your purpose in life both personally and professionally
Guest_Linda> Develop a plan of action to accomplish your personal and professional goals
Guest_Linda> Execute your plan of action
Guest_Linda> Eliminate excess stress
Guest_Linda> Understand and move beyond what is blocking you from receiving your desires
Guest_Linda> Gain confidence in decision-making
Guest_Linda> Feel better about yourself
Guest_Linda> Coaching can do alot
Guest_Linda> Does any of this appeal to any one of you?
sueraec> Oh YES!!
Guest_Linda> What area?
[HOST_Carolann] almost all of them!
sueraec> Organizing a plan, eliminating stress.. I have a tendency to overdo!?
[HOST_Carolann] become a better listener most of all, people need someone to hear them to help them I think
Guest_Linda> In the handout I asked everyone to make a list of 3-4 questions they want answered about someone - anyone want to start?
[HOST_Carolann] maybe Linda you could re state your question here in case anyone hasn't read the handout?
Guest_Linda> It wasn't a question from me but to me from the guests - what 3-4 questions do you have that you want to know how to help un any of these areas
Guest_Linda> For example with Sueraec - you want to be better organized - Do you make a TO DO list daily?
sueraec> Sometimes
Guest_Linda> I would suggest doing so every day so you have focus and direction to be better organized
Guest_Linda> Plus you will see how full your plate is getting to keep from overloading
[HOST_Carolann] I would be lost without my daily To Do lists!
sueraec> How would you handle a friend/neighbor who is a control fanatic? After talking with her, I am physically/emotionally drained!
Guest_Linda> I would suggest you limit your time with her but I would first ask - why do you feel she is controlling?
sueraec> It's like talking to the Gestapo! Every little detail of my life must be discussed !
Guest_Linda> She obviously has boundary issues that must be addressed
[HOST_Carolann] I would wonder what her motives are for wanting to know all this
sueraec> I agree. I truly think she is very lonely & unhappy, so she compensates by trying to control and be a meddler
Guest_Linda> I would suggest you let her know you do not feel comfortable answering her questions
sueraec> This morning she stood in front of my husband's truck! He was trying to leave for work and she would not move!
Guest_Linda> A friend would understand how you feel about this sort of thing
Guest_Linda> I would suggest calling the police if that happens again
sueraec> I'm afraid the friendship has died, but she doesn't want it to.
Guest_Linda> There may be some underlying emotional issues that she needs to address.
sueraec> Yes, I agree. Thank you Linda, I didn't mean to monopolize your time.
Guest_Linda> No problem
[HOST_Carolann] I feel sorry for you suerac, that's a tough situation to deal with
Mary_LouC> I would be interested in hearing your suggestions for planning and executing a goal, Linda, especially for those of us with physical limitations who can only work in bits and pieces to accomplish anything.
Alice> Yes, Mary Lou - I would, also.
Guest_Linda> I am like you - I am physically limited at times. I would suggest putting together a long range (2-3 months) plan on what you would like to have done and do things as you are able. You will feel good when the time is up and you have all your goals accomplished
Guest_Linda> Also allow your self to have the down time without feeling Guilty
Guest_Linda> You are allowed to take time to heal your body!!
Mary_LouC> Oh, yes! Guilt! I do feel that sometimes when I've got things to do and I'm just sitting, taking a break!
[HOST_Carolann] me too Mary Lou
Mary_LouC> And sometimes that makes me push harder and I suffer for it.
sueraec> Me, too!
[HOST_Carolann] we want to appear more normal
Guest_Linda> Be kind to yourself. I'm sure God took breaks too!
Mary_LouC> Yes, he did rest after creating the world, didn't he?
Guest_Linda> You are normal but with limitations - that is perfectly fine
Mary_LouC> Good point, Linda!
[HOST_Carolann] He created a day of rest
Guest_Linda> See - we are ALL entitled to rest
[HOST_Carolann] He knows we need it
Mary_LouC> In fact, God mandates it, doesn't he because, as Carolann says, he knows we need it!
Alice> I have to rest so often that I don't think I would accomplish all I set as my goals.
Guest_Linda> I would suggest while resting read motivational material that helps you become a better person
sueraec> I've tried to make my Sundays a day of rest, too. But I have to plan it as such or it doesn't get done.
Guest_Linda> Then it wont feel like down time
Alice> Jesus even told his disciples to "draw aside and rest awhile"
Mary_LouC> What if some of our goals are unreasonable given our limitations? I ask that because sometimes it's hard to accept that we can't do everything the way we used to
Guest_Linda> You will accomplish all the things that are important to you - some how we always have energy for that
Alice> AMEN!
[HOST_Carolann] that is so true Linda
[HOST_Carolann] I agree with Mary Lou, it's hard to know beforehand what is too much to plan
Guest_Linda> I would ask why do you still want to do them - AND how can you change the things and still do it to fit your physical limitations?
sueraec> Linda, a dear friend of mine suggested using a timer. Set it for 1 hr and when the time is up, switch your activity, by the end of the week, you see progress in many areas!
Mary_LouC> Lately, I've been struck how important it is to ask God what he wants me to do instead of telling him what I want and how he is supposed to help me do it!
Mary_LouC> Yes, Linda, you're right. Sometimes it's a matter of adapting, isn't it?
Guest_Linda> I would suggest Asking God a question and sit back - he will answer you.
Alice> That's good, mary lou - and my amen was in response to your other comment
Guest_Linda> Follow your Gut.
[HOST_Carolann] that's a good suggestion suerac
sueraec> thanks carolann...the timer can be your friend or your enemy!
Guest_Linda> Do you pray or meditate daily?
[HOST_Carolann] I find in planning it helps to also estimate how much time it would take me to do it
Mary_LouC> Yes, I talk to God every day.
Guest_Linda> This is when we hear Gods voice
[HOST_Carolann] oh yes, I wouldn't survive without praying and talking to God every day
PatH> I've used the timer when I do yard work. 30 min work, 30 min rest
Mary_LouC> He doesn't always answer as quickly as I want him to though!!!!
[HOST_Carolann] good Pat, that's the way to do it
Nana> Prayer time comes first for me
Guest_Linda> Yes - God does control the timing of things
Alice> Pray without ceasing is my motto
Guest_Linda> Good
lyla> other times He surprises me!
Guest_Linda> Who else has a question?
Mary_LouC> Yes, God can answer in ways we don't expect, can't he, Lyla?
lyla> He sent me a friend to shampoo my rugs!
Alice> And His way of answering is always best
[HOST_Carolann] I think Mary Lou made a good point earlier in that we make our to do lists etc and then expect God to follow our plan
Alice> How can you help me feel better about my appearance
[HOST_Carolann] we should be asking for His plan first in prayer
Alice> Amen Carolann
Guest_Linda> Appearance - in what way
Guest_Linda> ?
[HOST_Carolann] do you mean your body image, Alice?
Alice> My meds since having health issues has caused me to gain weight - and I don't like that
Guest_Linda> are u able to exercise at all?
Alice> My clothes are no longer comfortable -- I feel like a like a blob
Alice> No - no exercise
[HOST_Carolann] that would be disheartening Alice
Guest_Linda> That is tough when its the meds putting on the weight
Alice> Steps in my house is about the most exercise
Alice> I've proven it is the meds
Mary_LouC> I have the same problem, Alice. Can't physically exercise. Meds cause weight gain.
Guest_Linda> Are you more concerned about how your LOOK or how you FEEL?
Alice> To my doctors, I mean
sueraec> Alice can you do any Stretching?
PatH> I joined late but the topic is about coaching right? How can we know that a coach would be useful?
lyla> GO SHOPPING, A FEW THINGS THAT FIT WELL IS BETTER THAN A CLOSET FULL OF THING THAT DON'T
Alice> How I feel mostly - but how I look when I need to go somewhere
[HOST_Carolann] yes Pat, we are talking about specific areas a coach can help with
Guest_Linda> Feel - emotionally or physically?
Nana> Christians are always useful and precious in God's eyes -just bloom where He plants you :-) He looks at your heart, and loves blobs
Alice> I do a lot of shopping - thrift stores - because my weight fluctuates
Alice> Both emotionally and physically (and I don't want to take all your time)
Guest_Linda> That's ok I want to answer your question and help u
Alice> Thanks Nana -- I do know that - my husband preaches that to me constantly (ha-ha)
PatH> Is it important to work with a Christian coach?
Guest_Linda> I would suggest talking to someone you feel comfortable with about the emotional stuff - knowing there are supportive people around helps with the emotional stuff
Guest_Linda> As far as physically - that's a tough one if you can't exercise - can the dr put you on other meds?
Alice> Okay Linda - I do talk to others --- I think it is just my own hangups about it all
lyla> AMEN TO HAVING A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Guest_Linda> Pat - that is totally up to you - its more important to work with someone u feel comfortable with and connect to
Mary_LouC> We live in a world where people really emphasize looking good, eh?
[HOST_Carolann] yes on the outside, Mary Lou
Alice> The doctor has tried different meds -- I have problems with meds because I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Guest_Linda> Its more than just a support system - its more professional guidance from someone who cares about u
lyla> 2 BAD 4 THEM
Alice> Yes, Mary Lou -and that's a shame. God does love us just the way we are
Guest_Linda> Alice feel free to call me anytime to talk
Alice> Thanks Linda -- I will
Guest_Linda> You all may view my website at www.portraitsindetermination.com
Nana> I finally found a Lupus counsellor, who has Lupus herself...she is a great mentor
Guest_Linda> Phy limitations can be frustrating because we always think others are starting at us - we have the right to have to live in the body God gave us
Guest_Linda> Fabulous!
[HOST_Carolann] Nan, she would sure be able to empathise
Nana> Exactly, she has had Lupus for 22 yrs
PatH> How much should I expect a coach to cost?
Guest_Linda> Yes, its very important for anyone you work with to be able to EMPATHIZE
Guest_Linda> It ranges per coach from $75 - 350 hour
Guest_Linda> Personal coaching is more toward $100 hourly
lyla> THAT HUGE WHEN PEOPLE LIVE ON SSI
[HOST_Carolann] yes I know Lyla, there is alot of help out there but it's often unaffordable
Guest_Linda> I would suggest each of you over the next week or so make a life of 10 things you want to accomplish in the next 12 months
Guest_Linda> Also - write down 10 weaknesses AND 10 strengths
lyla> THAT'S SOO SAD.
Nana> Nana is old enough to have Medicare and AARP gap policy cover costs. The Foundation has a hotline you can use at no charge
Guest_Linda> A good coach will negotiate price (like me)
PatH> Keep going Linda... what do we do with the lists then?
lyla> I WORK FOR NONE PROFITS AS A COUNCILLOR
Guest_Linda> The list will help you evaluate what you are good at/not so good at
Guest_Linda> It will help with direction
Guest_Linda> As a way of accomplishing your goals and purpose
Alice> But, I so often hear people with chronic illness say "one day at a time)
Guest_Linda> A coach may help motivate you to accomplish your goals
Guest_Linda> even w/o illness life should be one day at a time!
Alice> Sometimes it becomes "one hour at a time"
[HOST_Carolann] that's so true Alice, but we can still have long range goals at the same time. We accomplish our goals one day at a time
Guest_Linda> correct
sueraec> One baby step at a time!
Nana> exactly
Alice> Yes - I understand - thanks
Mary_LouC> So you're like an athletic coach, Linda, pointing out how a person can improve what he or she is doing, cheering them on to get to the finish line!
[HOST_Carolann] you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time!
Nana> ::smile
PatH> that wouldn't be one of my goals lol
Guest_Linda> In my book 101 Simple Suggestions to express compassion and empathy - I talk about the importance of planning your time as away of expressing compassion for yourself
Guest_Linda> Yes - marylou
[HOST_Carolann] oh what a great way to look at it Linda
Guest_Linda> my book is available thru my website www.portraitsindetermination.com
Guest_Linda> Any last questions?
PatH> Thank you Linda
Guest_Linda> you are welcome
[HOST_Carolann] This has been really great Linda, thank you so much for sharing with us today
Mary_LouC> Yes, thanks, Linda!
Nana> thank you Linda
lyla> THANKS Linda
Guest_Linda> I have really enjoyed this
Alice> Yes - thanks to both Linda and Carolann
graced_ostrich> sorry having computer problems
Guest_Linda> We have to do it again!
sueraec> Thank you for your time. I appreciate the encouragement.
[HOST_Carolann] that's OK grace
Guest_Linda> I am wishing all of you blessing and good health!
sueraec> And may our Lord continue to use you in your work..
[HOST_Carolann] thank you Linda, God bless and thanks all for coming today
graced_ostrich> could u please post your website addy again?
Shadow> thank you Linda for coming and sharing
Mary_LouC> Good-bye, all!
Guest_Linda> use your illness to encourage others
Guest_Linda> www.portraitsindetermination.com
[HOST_Carolann] yes absolutely Linda
graced_ostrich> thanks so
Alice> That is how I cope, Linda. I am a HopeKeepers facilitator -- focus on others as much as they need
Guest_Linda> without sacrificing yourself
[HOST_Carolann] yes we need to receive as well as give out
Alice> Yes, I take time for myself - my body makes me
Guest_Linda> mine too!