Most of us believe that inspiration is an occasional occurrence. We hear someone’s heroic story, visit a new country, or watch an extraordinary athletic performance, and suddenly, we are inspired! But for how long? Not very… unless we take charge and embrace the concept of inspiration as a force that we can allow into our lives on a daily basis.

Last week’s article — 9 Insights That Changed Me Forever — garnered significant attention from folks in my coaching community. Many reached out with life changing insights of their own. When we slow down to reflect on where we were, or rather who we were, a decade ago, and who we are today, we can’t help but notice change.

I’m often asked to share these very personal insights. So, in no particular order, here are 9 that helped me change my personality and consequently my life.

The antithesis of Good Enough Parenting is Perfectionist Parenting and it rests on the foundation of the belief that we need to optimize every aspect of our children’s lives. But the consequences of raising our children as our projects are now evident to so many of us.

Recently, I wrote a blog about tradeoffs. I expected it to be a sleeper blog—one I found deeply important but not likely to generate much excitement. To my surprise, it struck a nerve with many readers and listeners. The most common response? People wanted to know if I could share more ways to become a true “Master of Tradeoffs.”

Every effort we make at communicating stems from one of two mindsets: we are either aiming for connection or for control. Communicating from control is always a bad idea. While you might win the battle, you will surely lose the war—the battle being the subject of discussion, and war being the trust and connection in the relationship. Learn the 7 ways to identify if you're aiming for connection, and transform your communication forever.

If only my boss wasn't a moron, I'd love my job. If only my partner was more caring, I'd be happy. When things calm down, I'll take care of myself. When I find the right person, I'll travel. These are Toxic Beliefs—the blindspot disguised as an obstacle. The most common? The Contingency Myth. A professional coach doesn't just reveal these beliefs; she helps you test them until you replace them with Power Beliefs.

Good coaching gives you courage, not clarity. Clarity comes in the rear view mirror—after you've already done the hard things. Vision is harvested through practice, specifically through one core discipline: deep, skillful conversation. For over three decades in luxury retail, I mastered seeing deeply and hearing forensically. Now, as a coach, I understand: whole-hearted conversations create profound connection and miraculous results. It's about being truly seen, heard, and held.

"How can I support you?" is one of my favorite questions to ask. Most people want support but don't know how to ask for it. We also don't know that there are many "languages" in which we can offer and receive support—similar to Love Languages, but different. Deep listening, embracing silence, creating context, being vulnerable, doing something, problem solving, innovating, cheerleading, showing up. These are the 9 Support Languages that transform relationships.

I’m obsessed with beginnings. Beginnings carry what I think of as “Pilgrim Energy”! I’m talking about that effortless stream of vital energy we experience at the dawn of a desire. Think of the beginnings of falling in love, starting a business, or committing to a big mission.

I finished an ultramarathon that took 11 hours—a race that 20-year-old elites completed in half the time. During those brutal miles, I kept asking myself, "What the hell were you thinking?" The answer: I wasn't. I was parked at the intersection of Ignorance and Arrogance. But here's the thing: a little I + A is exactly what gets us to attempt goals we wouldn't otherwise. Combined with a Why strong enough to sustain us, it's unstoppable.

Most of us are remarkably efficient. We've become masterful at multitasking—getting more done while spending less time. But efficiency and effectiveness are not the same. Efficiency is how. Effectiveness is what. High efficiency does not equal high impact. In fact, the most audacious, relentless and focused people I know don't look like multitasking wizards. They look relaxed. And they consider doing better over doing more a no-brainer.

Coaching is… NOT a hobby. It is a profession (and a sacred one at that). Casually using the title of "Coach" alongside another profession (so fashionable these days on every social platform!) is not the way to becoming a Professional Coach and certification alone doesn’t turn you into one.

We are all extraordinary in our uniqueness. There's no such thing as ordinary. Yet we limit and diminish ourselves with frightening ease. My clients who create real transformation aren't born extraordinary—they're created by choice. They show up when they don't want to. They work hard, focus on what matters, and deliberately put themselves on the edge of "have to." Extraordinariness is not a personality trait. It's a practice.

The unending vulnerability of existence—pain, illness, loss, and grief—are not bugs in the system. They're features. Optimism is not optional for the awakened soul. It's the only choice. Acceptance is the start line for growth. Connection comes before creation. And the world is not changed by your words or declarations—it's changed by your example and actions. Here are 10 principles for living with authenticity, purpose, and power.

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. But what I've learned is closer to the truth: mothers are made, not born. Motherhood was an intellectual concept until it gradually became an experience, then an obsession. Each child made a new mother of me over time, not instantly. Mothers are the ground upon which children stand. They hold space for multitudes. They are made from their children's gaze, smile, triumphs, and failures. Mothers are made—over and over again.

When you were in your 20’s, did you ever think about how you would like to be remembered? The answer from most of us is a hell no! Last week, I asked this question of G. — a 24 year old young adult client who has been coaching with me for a couple of years.

Your judgment. Your next step. Your beliefs. Your smile. Your "Why". Your words. What you eat and drink. What you say yes to. Who you spend time with. Who you love. Who you trust. When you go to bed. When you show up. When you stay. When you leave. How much sleep you get. How grateful you are. How forgiving you are. I'm not suggesting you do or don't do any of these things. I'm just saying you've got control. Do not fool yourself into believing that you don't.

Spring is the season of possibility and potential, a time to plant intentional seeds for the future harvest. Let your mixed emotions guide you towards purposeful choices and thoughtful commitments.

Coaching and Therapy share a powerful mission—to make people feel and do better. But they're not the same. Therapy delves into the roots of our behaviors. Coaching propels us toward tangible progress. While Therapy helps us move from dysfunctional to functional, Coaching takes over as a high-performance engine to bring us to optimal. Many people work with both. Here are 6 insights about the real difference—and why it might matter less than you think.