Your Silent Voice of Experience

"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation in her voice was evident as we scheduled a time to meet and discuss her new fund raising project. This client had a gigantic goal. She also needed lots of information in order to begin.

It was her first attempt at charitable fund raising. She was also the first client I had coached who had a fund raising goal. However, she was determined, and I was ready.

I had been involved with fund raising for years and had made countless phone calls on behalf of charitable projects. I had written grants and worked with many community groups and committees.

Although I had worn various "hats", I would spend most of my time doing what I was best at-speaking to potential contributors face to face. Now I sensed that this person's strength would also be face-to-face contact. This startled me at first, and I thought, "How in the world would I know that?"

Then it dawned on me; something more had been happening all these years that I had not once stopped to consider. I could share what had worked, had not worked, and what might work depending on the motive and personality of the potential supporter. I could also recognize a particular passion for working directly with people.

I had not simply been doing volunteer work. I now know that I was creating a contribution of another kind-experience. I could not give all the answers, but I had some good "clues." It was the right time to share them.

All of us have had valuable life experiences. Have you traveled or had a hobby? Have you been a student, a teacher, a parent, a project leader, an employer, or an employee? Have you worked with animals, people, autos, planes, trains, or teams?

The possibilities are endless. No one has experienced life exactly as you have. You are unique, and your contributions will be unique.

The voice of our experience is usually silent. It does not remind us that we are soaking up life's lessons as we take the kids to school, talk on the phone, visit our friends, drive through the mountains, or walk along the beach.

However, it will speak when the time is right. It will guide us-with the right words-in offering our contributions.

We need not try to be perfect; we will not make it that far in this world. However, if we make the best contributions we are capable of making, life will give its best back to us.

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

---

Ten Benefits of Having a Relationship Coach

As a Master Certified Relationship Coach, I work with singles... Read More

Have a World-Changing Conversation

I know what you're thinking? "Here I am, completely stressed... Read More

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request... Read More

Let?s Say You?re a Dog. Are You So Competitive You?d Eat a Carrot?

Seems like a gal always learns something out on the... Read More

What Dost Thou Speaketh? Hey, Affirm This Way!

Articulating repetitive statements with emotion will inevitably connect you to... Read More

The Secret of Self-Esteem

Have you ever thought about what really creates self-esteem? Having... Read More

The Self Development Tool Box

Do you have a self-development toolbox? Do you have a... Read More

Could You and Your Business Benefit from a Business Coach or a Consultant?

The surprising answer is "probably". Most individuals don't realize that... Read More

Are You Worth Investing In?

Do you realise that if you're green you're growing and... Read More

5 Steps to Derail Difficult People - Your Surefire Way to a Peaceful Resolution

That one guy at work that always has to be... Read More

You Have The Right

The other day I was having a interesting conversation with... Read More

Business Coaching - Ten Ways of Dealing with Mistakes You Made

You can either choose to dwell on what happened and... Read More

Feeling Self-Conscious? 6 Tips to Turn it Around Fast!

When you feel self-conscious it means you are putting too... Read More

Life Coach, Counsellor, or Therapist; - How do I choose?

Life coaching has become fashionable in recent years and there... Read More

Successful Implementation of Company Wide Coaching Programmes

Ten years ago I was fortunate enough to be heavily... Read More

The Story ?From the Chicken Coop??

Many years ago my grandfather, had a small farm and... Read More

7 Effective Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem

1. Get a life purpose statement.A well thought out life... Read More

How to Solve Disputes with the Helicopter Talk Technique

Do you ever find that when a friend asks for... Read More

Its Only Adult ADD-What A Relief!

For most of her fifty years, Barbara was at war... Read More

Being an Emotional Victim

None of us like to think of ourselves as victims.... Read More

The Joy of Learning!

"Part of what motivates me to write this book is... Read More

Assertive Communication: 20 Helpful Tips

Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further... Read More

How to Tune In Your Brain & Feel Confident with People in Moments

One day when I was in school, many years ago,... Read More

A Sure-Fire, 10-Step Formula To Get Started As A Coach Or Consultant

"My guess is first I'll need some zippy flyers and... Read More

4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting

Successful people have always had clear, focused goals that guide... Read More

The Value of Career Coaching and Its Effect on Productivity

Athletes the world over have coaches. Yet, workers whose very... Read More

Drop and Gimme Ten!

Every one of us have dreams, desires and goals that... Read More

The Enchantment of Tribes to Belong To

I am remembering and have a desire to share with... Read More

Its Game Time! Four Powerful Lessons in the Game of Life

I turned 29 last week, and if statistics are right... Read More

How to Make $100,000 as a Personal Trainer

In the movie, "The Gladiator," Emperor Commodus' rose to power... Read More

The Non-Conscious Mind at Work. Harness it for Your Success

Thoughts are real things. As soon as you realize how... Read More

Business Coaching Legacy: Reflections on What You Want to Leave Behind?

Updating my will has been on my mind for quite... Read More

Learn to Say No!

How many times have you agreed to do something that... Read More