By Gregg Sanderson
Here a coach. There a coach. You can even find a coach coach. How will you know what’s best for you?
I’ll coach you.
Back in the old days, the founder of one of the large growth movements spoke at a conference I was at. He said, “I can’t understand how some people don’t have high self-esteem. I’ve always had it.”
I knew right away that this person had nothing to teach about self-esteem. He hadn’t been through the trials of one who may still seek it.
Hop aboard my metaphorical time machine back to pioneer days. We want to organize a wagon train “Westward Ho” to the Land of Enlightenment. We need to hire a scout to keep us on the trail and ride ahead to check for rocks, water and Indians.
What will we look for?
First, of course, he has to be here. If he’s already at the destination, he isn’t much good to our wagon train. He needs to travel with us, and go a few days’ ride ahead and report back. Rain may have washed down some new rocks. Drought may have dried up the water holes, or the Indians may not be as friendly as they once were.
Next, he must know the trail. He may know all about the Santa Fe Trail, but it’s no help if we plan to take the Old Spanish Trail, or the Oregon Trail. Our scout needs to know the lay of the land, and keep us on the trail.
Now let’s think about your coach. The first question to ask yourself is the hardest: “What do I want?” You need to figure out where you want to go, then pick a coach to get you there.
Be sure any new coach can accept the way you are. If you’re gay, don’t go to a militant heterosexual, or if you’re Jewish, don’t go to an anti-Semite. If you want sex therapy, Mother Superior might not be your best choice.
Once you know where you’re going, find a coach who’s traveled your trail. Don’t go to an overweight person for weight loss, nor one who’s always been thin.
If you want prosperity, choose somebody who has used the methods you want to learn, not one who was born rich.
If your goal is happy relationships, find somebody whose relationships work.
Past breakups don’t necessarily mean failure. They often show growth. Just be sure your coach has what you’re looking for, or is well on the way.
Also, consider how long they’ve been in their current relationship and be sure it’s been long enough for illusions to fade. I taught relationships for many years (I still do). In that time I saw many “experts” appear, flash and disappear within a year or two.
I could write a book about that one. Oh wait—I did.
Happy hunting.
Gregg Sanderson is author of Spirit With A Smile, The World According To BOB. He is a licensed practitioner in the Centers for Spiritual Living, and a Certified Trainer for Infinite Possibilities. His earlier books were, What Ever Happened To Happily Ever After? and Split Happens—Easing The Pain Of Divorce. His latest project is the New Thought Global Network, where subscribers can enjoy the best in New Thought presentations from anywhere at any time. You can see it at www.newthoughtglobal.org.