Here is a sequence I find highly effective in coaching top performers:

1. Who do you want to be in a year? (Example: Known as a philanthropist or patron; seen as a thought leader; quoted and cited as an expert.)
2. What do you want to be doing in support of who you want to be? (Writing a book for a commercial publisher; having a board seat on the local Red Cross chapter; teaching as an adjunct professor at the university.)
3. What do you need to move from where you are to what you’ve described? (Coaching on the book and an introduction to an agent; volunteer work for the local Red Cross and a donation; skills in creating a college curriculum; more  connections in the media.)
4. JUNCTURE POINT: How realistic are my expectations? (Are the skills, talents, connections, activities I require obtainable and learnable—and employable—over the next year for the results I’m seeking? If so, proceed to step #5. If not, to back to step #1 and revise my expectations.)
5. What do I need to do right now to begin the journey? (Hire a coach, go to an event, seek introductions. begin writing weekly, create new and challenging IP, etc.)
6. What, if anything stands in my way? (I feel intimidated; I have too much work to do; my family isn’t supportive; I don’t have the time.)
7. How will I remove ALL the obstacles? (Have a frank talk with the family; stop doing low impact, high volume things; get counseling or coaching; change my habits.)
8. JUNCTURE POINT: How realistic are my plans for overcoming my obstacles? If I’m confident they are, proceed to implement, If not, go back to step #5 and add resources to overcome them.

© Alan Weiss 2017