Perfect is a moving target, that's if it's even a thing. We pepper our everyday conversations with the word "perfect". Most of us were raised to be perfectionists. But according to Brene Brown, perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it's often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life-paralysis. One of the biggest problems is many of us believe perfectionism is the primary reason we've achieved success. In truth, real success is built on a foundation of time, attention, and deliberate practice.

One of my favorite coaches says, "We are in the PR business—permission and reminders!" But there's another side to this coin. Micro-shaming is a statement or response from a seemingly trusted source that leaves the receiver with a feeling of confusion and shame. It disguises itself in so many different ways—like curiosity, care, helpfulness, and sarcasm—that the only defense we have against it is absolute diligence and total commitment.

Life Coaching continues to be mystifying to most. Folks don't understand the difference between Coaching and therapy, and because it's a fast-growing field with a low barrier to entry, there's an understandable measure of skepticism. One of my larger life goals is to bring legitimacy to the field of Life Coaching and contribute to the public understanding of this profession as being valid, valuable, and just as necessary as any other profession.

Increasingly, more people are investing their resources in service of self-growth and potential. Most of us did not learn how to cultivate our emotional well being, skillfully manage our thoughts, and gain the tools and skills essential for creating a life that is more often peaceful and purposeful rather than chaotic and volatile. A great place to start is with an assessment of our life values.

Tomorrow, hundreds will begin a 100-mile journey on foot, testing mind, body, and soul. Though I haven’t completed this race, my ultrarunning family has shown me courage, unconditional support, and the privilege of living fully—feeling alive, connected, and loved through shared adventure and values.

Intimacy isn’t a trait we’re born with—it’s a practice we cultivate. Through radical acceptance, creating safety, mindful vulnerability, and nurturing connection, we can build authentic, lasting closeness in relationships, whether personal or professional.

Motivation is a fair weather friend. It feels like a superpower for a week or month, but disappears overnight when circumstances change—leaving shame and guilt behind. There's a better way. Instead of chasing motivation fueled by external circumstances, shift to inspiration. Inspiration sparks a fire inside you that belongs to no one but yourself. This is the real fuel for achieving your goals.

A strange and different kind of year is coming to an end, and oddly, most of us are experiencing the same pre-holiday stressors as we do during any other "normal" year. For a year that was seemingly "cancelled", we sure have a lot to get done, right?

Much of the work I do with my clients centers around cultivating their sense of compassion, for others and for themselves. I've found that most of us can find a level of compassion for others, but when it comes to ourselves, we can be obstinate and harsh. We expect so much of ourselves and confuse our lack of self-compassion for ambition, strength, and control. We falsely believe that the more we judge ourselves, the higher our future performance will be.

In my recent experience completing the grueling Broken Arrow 52K race, I discovered the transformative power of having a coach—someone who guides, supports, and believes in you when you can’t fully believe in yourself. This story illustrates how coaching can help us push past self-doubt, embrace challenges, and achieve what we once thought impossible.

Recently, I completed an endurance race I had quit years ago, finishing last but under the cutoff time. Despite the achievement, my inner Gremlin tried to steal my joy. I realized that external validation can’t quiet self-doubt; true change comes from creating compassionate, loving thoughts. For me, that meant recognizing: whether first, last, or in the middle, I’m still the same person—and I’m good enough.

In the work of life and career coaching, highly productive individuals often seek the latest time hacks, yet the most powerful principle I teach is surprisingly simple: slow down. Only by focusing fully on the task or person in front of us can we create maximum value. Rushing reduces effectiveness, while slowing down—through mindfulness, presence, and singular focus—enhances productivity, satisfaction, and results.

It was a privilege to have the opportunity to coach one of my peers, Rebekah Weintraub. Here’s what Rebekah writes about the experience.

These are complex times and I thought long and hard before writing this blog. There is so much "information" being hurled at us—whether we've invited it or not—and I wasn't sure I would add value by creating yet another piece of content.

As parents, we often hear ourselves say “You make me so happy!”—but relying on children for emotional satisfaction can unintentionally burden them with responsibility for our feelings. Modern parenting and professional life coaching now emphasize taking ownership of our thoughts and emotions, demonstrating that true happiness flows from how we interpret circumstances—not from others’ actions.

Ever notice how you can be one person in one area of your life and a different person in another? In my years as a Professional Life Coach, I can argue that I am (more often than not) a better professional than I have been a parent. This is not an easy statement to make, but here’s why I think it’s true.

Struggling to find time for your goals? Learn how to organize your daily activities into meaningful "Life Buckets" to prioritize what matters most. This 5-step guide helps you identify key areas, align actions with values, and create lasting habits for a more balanced and purposeful life.

Movement-based coaching helps you step into the present, quiet mental chatter, and tap into your creativity and higher wisdom. Walking side by side, in nature, we co-create, gain clarity, and move from problem-focus to solution-focus. Small, consistent movement can transform body, mind, and life.

The true magic of coaching isn’t in the coach—it’s in the client. My client Kathy discovered her “inner MOJO” through adventure, courage, and community, transforming how she approached turning 64. Her story is a reminder that when we step outside our comfort zones, lasting change and unexpected joy become possible.

Professional life coaching has low barriers to entry but high barriers to success. There are successful coaches without certification and certified coaches who barely make a living. Why? Because to thrive as a life coach, you can't be just good—you have to be great, transformative, even life-changing. Good simply won't do.