Get Rich Quick

To enrich means to add greater value to. When we think in terms of money or toys, we think more is better. If I want to be richer, I need to have more money.

In the greater scheme of life, however, being rich is a matter of having an abundance of what we value. It isn’t the money itself, but what money can buy that represents what you value. Could it buy you independence from the working world? Could it buy opportunities for your children? Could it buy more time with new gadgets? What really makes your life rich?

Most people would say that it is the relationships, creative pursuits, and compelling causes that bring richness to life. Toys and trips are great, but only when there are people to share them with. Believe it or not, it is easier to build true richness into your life than to build material wealth.

How can you become richer? When an experienced gardener begins to plant new seeds, she doesn’t just stick seeds into the old garden beds. The soil is hard from a long winter, and the nutrients have been all used up. Dead leaves and old grass litter the ground. The soil has to be turned, and have nutrients added, such as fertilizer or compost, to make it useful for growing new things.

Do you feel hard and all used up? Does life feel like an ironic hamster wheel? How can you get some new life growing? Take a tip from the gardener. Is there something dead crowding your life? Are there things you do or commit to that either aren’t your passion or aren’t matched well with your talents? Get rid of them! Clear the way for better things.

Turn the soil. Soften up. Take in the smell of your coffee, the feel of your shirt, the sound of rain on the window. Breathe deep. Opportunities to grow are all around you. Take a moment to listen, to reflect, to consider. What do you feel created to do? How can you incorporate that into your life?

Did you find some seeds? Maybe an idea or a thought came to you as you drifted off to sleep. Plant the seeds. Add some fertilizer. Nurture the sprouts to life. Allow your life the brightness and color that a growing garden represents. You have the capacity to enjoy true riches. Enrich your life today.

Where are you going?

Do you have a clear picture of your life objectives? How do you want to be perceived today and in the future? If your best friend was asked, “what do you really think about [insert name]?” what would you consider to be the ideal response? How many people take the time to ask themselves these questions? I can honestly tell you from my experience – not enough.


Too many people are simply going through the motions and aren’t spending enough time answering important questions like these. Without a clear sense of where you are going, you are not going to get there (at least not very quickly and not without struggle).

Let me tell you about Jim.  When Jim first opened his dry cleaning business, he wanted to provide reliable, dependable dry cleaning service and he wanted to make a comfortable living. What Jim realized early on is that he not only wanted to differentiate himself from the competition, but he wanted his business to reflect his passion and values.  He had to create a clear vision for what the business stood for.

Jim took the time and clarified his business vision for himself and his customers to include non-tangibles like “treating customers like family and having a personal relationship with as many clients as possible.” He also knew that being successful for him meant his employees had to truly enjoy working there and he wanted them to feel like they were part of something bigger. Jim changed is vision from “dependable, reliable dry cleaning service” to running a family-style business where customers and employees appreciate each other and treat one another like family.

Jim didn't stop there, though.  Having defined his vision, he worked to make it a reality.  Jim now adds weekly employee meetings to his schedule to get their input, and throws employee BBQ’s at his home whenever he can.  He also invites loyal customers to pick up slices of banana bread when they come in. Jim wouldn't have pursued these ideas had he not taken the time to clearly think about his life and business vision.

Your vision should accurately reflect your own passion and values.  When was the last time you asked yourself “what’s my life vision?”

Why Do I Need a Coach?

Life coaching can help you in many ways:

• Do you know what's important to you?
• Do you know what's really important to you?  
• Do you have trouble staying focused?
• Do you want help attracting more of what you want?
• Are you interested in discovering what holds you back?
• Do you need help clarifying your values and vision?
• Do you need help creating goals and action plans?
• Are you the type of person who likes to be held accountable?

Life coaching is the practice of assisting clients determine and achieve personal goals - whether it's making changes to improve health, career, relationships or your physical environment.

Let a life coach help you take that first step today.  (Hint:  Ask me!)