Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reigniting my passion.

The TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies conducts annual research about the topic of retirement. Interestingly, they don't just poll those nearing or at retirement age. They span across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

Today’s topic is from their 22nd Annual Retirement Survey of Workers. There are many intriguing components of their research (you can peek around the whole report here) but one of the first things that caught my eyes were the Top 3 Cited Positive Words Associated With Retirement.

As a Coach, you can bet that in many client conversations we’re talking about some sort of behavior they hope to improve or change.  Often, this points to a specific habit he or she wants to partake in more consistently.  Keeping a habit seems to be this longed-for trait people put on a pedestal. “I just need to make it a habit”, they say. And it’s as if that was true, then all would be well in the world.

The TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies conducts annual research about the topic of retirement. Interestingly, they don't just poll those nearing or at retirement age. They span across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

Today’s topic is from their 22nd Annual Retirement Survey of Workers. There are many intriguing components of their research (you can peek around the whole report here) but one of the first things that caught my eyes were the Top 3 Cited Positive Words Associated With Retirement.

Here are 4 important reasons a Coach in your circle will positively impact your financial practice.

1) Your energy gets a boost knowing that your client's emotional needs are well supported.
We know our capacity and ability to stretch in all direction is limited. Take this burden off your shoulders that's beyond your training and offload the discernment, worry, and complexity your clients are experiencing with a trained and certified Coach.

2) Builds trust since the service isn't directly money related.

There is something so attractive about a “fresh start”. We’re filled with optimism, there’s a pep in our step, and the possibilities are boundless. This lasts for a whole… oh, I don’t know… 5 minutes, before we can easily begin a dizzying spiral downward.

While I’m a proponent of new beginnings (and certainly a proponent of optimism!) , I’m going to highlight some not so commonly shared pitfalls of this Blank Slate narrative.

I purposely don’t mince my words here as it’s critical that clients approaching a big life change such as Retirement understand the importance of vision and preparedness.

Hopefully you’re still basking in the glow of connection and gratitude with loved ones over Thanksgiving.  There’s a lot of hoopla around gratitude before the holiday arrives.  I’m here to keep it going!

We know that gratitude is best practiced daily.

When we approach gratitude daily, it’s a well that never runs dry.  In fact, the more we dip down to acknowledge daily blessings, gifts, and love in our lives, the more the cup overflows.

I’m keeping this one short and sweet with my BEST tip for practicing gratitude.  

Change and transition have an uncanny ability to disrupt several life dimensions. If not our relationships, then our emotional health. If not our emotional health, then our environmental (home, office, etc) health. If not environmental then our physical health….
You get the idea.
Due to the synergy of our lives and interplay between all dimensions, each area will feel some sort of ripple effect, even if it’s not hit the hardest by the transition.

But, when exactly will these disruptions happen?

Fresh off the heels of Halloween, I’m intrigued by the reality - or idea - of fear.

As a Coach, I regularly help my clients navigate fear. Rather than the hair-raising, scream-inducing fright of a zombie, it’s most often the immobilizing, painful unknown of a foggy future. The majority of my Coaching is Transition Coaching. Client’s are either currently navigating a personal or professional change or anticipating one. With six years of Coaching under my belt, I’ve learned there’s a unique relationship between change and fear that most everyone experiences.

A client sits across from you sharing their concern for the future. As you listen compassionately, it’s clear that they’re feeling rather “stuck”. They’re quite frustrated and distraught about what to do. You notice a lack of excitement expressed about what’s next for them.
Do they need a Counselor? A Coach?
Let’s distinguish the 3 key differences of Coaching and Counseling.

There can be a lot of spooky things when change is on the horizon. Rather than goblins, mummies, or ghosts looming around the corner, it’s often anxiety, perfectionism, and despair rearing their ugly heads.

Retiring (semi or fully) should not be a season of angst. It can be one of great joy and adventure! There’s no doubt that this change will shake things up. But, rather than it haunting your sleep or unearthing ghosts… you can be armed and ready to leave the fright behind and confidently approach this new season.

This is the most difficult newsletter I’ve ever had to send. I know many of you are already aware, yet with the shocking nature of the news, I have not been able to notify my wider community of colleagues, clients, and friends. I also wanted to describe a bit of the larger story and honor my beloved sister.

Like many of you, the year has been full of unexpected turns. Today actually marks day 11 of my COVID experience. My symptoms have greatly lessened from the first few days (Thank the Good Lord) and I have until mid-week next week until I can break free from quarantine.
It got me thinking about my word for the year - EXPANSION.

If you're looking to refresh your focus, your intention, or your momentum towards your goals I highly encourage you to check out this conversation with Dr. David Gulledge.

Dr. Gulledge is a skilled chiropractor helping men and women of all ages enjoy healthier lives through proper spine care. As you can imagine, their business was impacted by COVID since patient care is all face-to-face. And yet, Dr. David is tracking to have his best year in terms of financial growth and patients served.

Physical wellness is a dimension each one of us has unique challenges in from time to time. I know for me, it was really disheartening when I felt like I was trying everything, yet still feeling crappy and not getting relief from my health symptoms.

Brooke has been in the wellness space for the last decade. She has expertise around the proper tests, questions, and approaches that will support your healthiest path.

As I was putting the final touches on the newsletter today, it simply did not feel right to share my regularly scheduled content with you as if I'm operating as business as usual. The reality is it has been challenging week and it is clear for communities everywhere in our country that business is not operating as usual.

Having Pam as a consistent and trusted sounding-board has made a world of difference not only in my peace of mind but also in my growth as a woman and a business owner.

Join us as we...
Geek out over our love of the coaching profession.
Chat about the variability within the coaching profession.
Deep dive into her simple and effective resource designed to support you in overcoming your inner critic.

I'm pleased to share the interview below recorded just yesterday as a part of the ICF Heartland chapter participating in #InternationalCoachingWeek. It was fun to be on the other side of the interview answering questions about my practice, philosophy, and passion for this profession. I'd love for you to check it out!

I am thrilled to share with you the 5th episode of Quarantine Conversations. We all know the healing powers of laughter. In this strange and tough time it may be wise to tap into more laughter as a vehicle for that thing we all crave - connection.

This is a super fun one as it's with one of my best friends from college, Ben Katzner.

Grab your wine and join us as we dive into all things leadership, coaching, and growth.

Russ has been President of CFR for almost 34 years. He and his team create individualized financial plans for professionals and retirees that brings them financial peace of mind.