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In a recent conversation with my son about his efforts to accomplish a specific goal, he said “but there’s a barrier in the way of that goal”.  As we explored the nature of that barrier and what is needed to overcome it, an image suddenly popped in mind. I imagined a horse standing next to a gate and pointed out to my son that from this proximity the horse would not be able to get over the gate.  Evidently, what is necessary is for the horse to pull back create some distance, run, focus, build momentum and become carried by its velocity so that there can be no hesitation when the horse jumps at the right time and the correct speed. That was the perfect metaphor for my son to get fresh insights as we talked about what he needs to do and what qualities he must...

Interview of Gwen – April 2013 Gwen is a wise and wonderfully creative woman and former coaching client who retired from a managerial position with the BC government in 2009.  I recently interviewed her about how she has re-engaged rather than merely “retired”.  Gwen, what most strikes you when looking back over the past 4 years since you retired? Thinking back, to those years in the workplace, it seems like another lifetime.  I realize that the time has gone by a lot faster than I anticipated and I have not gotten to do as much as I thought I would have in nearly 4 years. As you review those years in your mind, can you discern some of the retirement stages you went through? Yes, in the year preceding my retirement I started to explore new interests and thought...

At this time of year, when spring seems to emerge from the ground and spread through all life forms, most of us also feel the urge to burst forth and blossom from the inside out. That yearning can express itself in a myriad of ways.  Whether you do something as simple and practical as clearing out your closets, decide to go on a spring retreat or step up into your next level of fitness and wellness, these actions are worthwhile and they honor the cycles of nature of which we are a part. This time of year is also conducive to making significant changes that you may have been thinking about through the past months.  If you are in a life transition such as a career change, approaching retirement or contemplating a separation, springtime can help you feel that you...

In the process of coaching people in life transitions, career change or retirement, I’ve noticed that some find themselves under tremendous pressure from people around them.  I recall in particular, three months ago, a man (whom I’ll call Paul) in a managerial position who was laid off with an extensive period of paid salary ahead of himself. Within the first couple of months that we worked together, he had to first give himself permission to take the time to do the following:  come to terms with his loss, re-orient himself in the transition, research and evaluate his options.  All this while he was in the active process of being coached to gain great clarity about what he really wanted, what would inspire him at this particular point in his life. He also needed...

At this time of year, chances are you have just made your RSP contribution, gradually adding to the nest egg that will support your financial security on your way to an eventual retirement. But have you thought about what else you need to consider to better prepare yourself for this major life transition? When I lead seminars for groups of pre-retiring professionals, I observe that some participants say that they have no hobbies and have very few friends aside from their spouse and colleagues. When they realize this, they have a little angst, wondering what their life will be like on the other side of ‘retirement’. In the What’s Next seminar I lead in several provinces, 10 success factors are explored along with an understanding of happiness in the second half of...

In the course of leading my seminars for boomers in midlife or entering retirement, I have repeatedly noticed participants setting goals to improve their health and fitness.   Evidently, at this time of year, this is a goal that many people set, so we have the wind in our sails as we collectively set out to get in better shape all at the same time.  The photo here is of me last fall, cycling for fitness and pleasure almost daily (except through the coldest rainy days of our west coast winters) Perhaps holistic health and fitness is a central theme for you this year? If so, and if you reside in the BC lower mainland, consider attending my colleague Lise Wearing’s seminar Holistic Approach to Weight Heaven on January 26, in Vancouver. Visit her website...