Zig Ziglar once said “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” That is what I am trying to teach my students. No shortcuts to success. This came home to me the other day when I was talking to another career coach who mentioned that she was aware that one of my students wanted another coach because he felt I wouldn’t be able to connect him with the right people who would help him become a professional baseball player. I guess he was hoping to find an elevator. My student and I got through that dream and I am still his coach. But how many other students want a short cut.
Vidal Sassoon said “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” It is a hard lesson for anybody not just students to learn and it is critical for a coach to impart that knowledge without crushing dreams. I found that to be the hardest part of my job, to be gently honest, to find a plan B but still acknowledge the original dream.
Plan B can be just as rewarding as plan A but if a person is willing to put absolutely everything into the dream, it can be achieved. That asks a lot from any person but those are the stairs that a person has to climb. Are they willing? Do they understand what they have to give up? Can I do my coaching well enough? Those are my stairs. Time will tell.
In the meantime, if you would like to know more about Career coaching or would like to share your story, comment below to this blog and let me know your story.
Until next time… take the stairs, good exercise!!!
Please share your thoughts on this post in the comments section below. After typing your comment, click "Publish," then "Publish as Guest." Check the box to confirm that you are not a bot.
I am enjoying all of your posts, Carol. One of my students wanted to become a neurosurgeon but, she does not have the grades for it. My daughter suggested she train to become a surgical assistant which will get her in the operating room and she can work her way up to med school if she chooses. My student was all over that! Willing to take the stairs!
Taking one step at a time, and with a coach that is as dedicated as Dr. Grants is, anything is possible!
Thanks for creating the image that the way to your goal always involves a big flight of stairs. The reality that, at some point, you will be able to put your foot on the last step makes it all worth while. Thanks for the mental stimulation.