A colleague recently asked me if I was semi-retired. I asked him why he’d even think such a thing. He said it’s because you’re taking a three-week vacation, and you play pickleball a lot.
Well, if you call writing your seventh book, coaching a dozen or so leaders this past year, and advising CEOs on talent semi-retirement, then I guess I am.
The work I do with my clients allows them to focus on what’s important to them, which is usually having more discretionary time.
What kind of a coach or advisor would I be if I didn’t follow my own advice?
Results versus Face Time
My clients measure me on results, not time. In fact, a client recently told me that people are noticing significant positive changes in the person I’m coaching, and we’ve only been working together for several months. We’re making great strides, and we aren’t working 24/7 to do this.
Work-life Balance
If you’re entitled to a three-week vacation, and you’re unable to take it, then that’s on you.
Perhaps you don’t trust that your people can manage without you, or you haven’t properly trained your staff on the critical aspects of their job. Or maybe you’re one of those micromanagers who can’t let go. If any of the above is true, you need help. Find a coach or a therapist to help you work through the issues holding you back from living your best life.
The Need to Do More
We spend so much time in the quest to do more and more that we fail to enjoy where we are. Sometimes, people only realize this once it’s too late. I help my clients get clear on what’s important to them so that they can step back and enjoy the view when they reach this pinnacle.
In fact, two of my clients, who are CEOs, took time out of their busy schedules in 2023 to scale Mount Kilimanjaro while also fundraising. I’m in awe of their accomplishment, having recently climbed 500 “steps” in 95-degree weather to view the caves in Phong Nha, Vietnam.
My clients dedicated months to their training. The experience gave them a new perspective on life and leadership. As for me, I’m proud of the fact that I made it up and down, and I’m still breathing!
I can’t promise you that I won’t semi-retire or retire one day, so if you’ve been thinking about working with me, you best call sooner rather than later. But for now, my work is extremely rewarding, and I’m having a great time doing it. I hope you can say the same.
What’s the craziest thing someone has said to you recently?
