Coaching toward meaning

By: Dennis (My Plan After 50 Coach)

Richard had enjoyed his life, had accomplished much with his career but always felt there was something missing.

In his own words, his life "has been good with what seems like minimal problems." He and his wife have enjoyed good health allowing them to pursue careers, raise a family and travel. With his four children raised and each either in school or pursuing careers, it was easy to understand how he felt this way. He had been able to advance in several organizations and now likes the challenge of his position as director of marketing in an established manufacturing company.

But, despite all of these positive and affirming aspects of his life, Richard felt the need for something more. In hopes of finding just that, he contracted with a My Plan After 50 coach.

As we started the coaching process, Richard identified several key areas that concerned him: health, financial and purpose. As we worked to clarify each of these areas, the goals that Richard wanted to work towards became clearer. We also prioritized these areas into what he would take immediate action with and what would require a little more thought and planning.

The very first step was to contact a nutrition center in a local hospital. Here a healthy diet and physical exercise program were developed. This was something that "just felt right" for Richard as he took his first steps on the running track.

The next was to find a financial planner that was the right fit. Within a short period of time Richard and his planner were able to make some changes in his monthly budget as well as restructure debt. This new approach and the implementation of a wealth management plan that has helped Richard sleep better at night.

The final task was to give serious thought on what would bring him the sense of fulfillment and meaning in his life. Most boomers want to have a sense of purpose and Richard is no exception. This area required a combination of "soul searching" and consultation with people that he respected for their insight and wisdom. He soon realized that for him "helping others" brought a great deal of personal satisfaction. He began to explore where and how he could do this. He decided to volunteer one night a week at a local food pantry where he assisted the other volunteers in taking food to homeless people in various places in the city. Some of these people live in cars, cardboard boxes or under bridges. He would like to find additional ways to gain a sense of purpose, just as this project has done, but right now this is were he is feeling fulfilled by helping people at a "grass roots" level.

As Richard would say, once he got the health/wellness and the financial areas in order, he was free to follow his passion and achieve a sense of meaning and purpose for which he had been searching.

Coaching doesn’t give answers but it is a process that allows individuals to tap into their own creative resources! I believe the success of coaching lies in uncovering roadblocks that have hindered individuals from reaching their full potential. Then designing the goals in meaningful ways and releasing the energy inside of the person to reach those goals. It is an inspiring process!