The One Way I’m Doing People a Disservice

I was travelling from Chicago to Israel by way of Zurich.  While waiting for the tram to take us to our gate, a man approached us to ask if he, too, should take the tram.  Given that he spoke very little English, he simply pointed to the gate number on his boarding pass.  I told him, yes, board the tram.  He was going to the same terminal we were, terminal D.  When it was time to get off, I saw him take a few steps backward, away from the door, as if he was going to let everyone else off and stay boarded.  I made my way over to him and told him that this was his stop.  While making our way through the winding hallways of the terminal, I approached him, to tell him which way to go.  I don’t know if it’s my Midwestern upbringing or the way my parents reared me or something more innate, but when I see someone in need, I’m like a moth to a flame; I can’t help myself, I feel obligated to help.

This characteristic manifests itself when people learn what I do for a living and ask me for help either directly (“How can I stop overeating?”) or indirectly (“Gosh, I really want to kick my sugar addiction.”).  As a self-described overeager helper, I usually share some tips or provide one of the handouts I include with my program, but inside I feel a little guilty because I know that my “help” likely won’t create the success they are looking for.  Without the accountability, system, and support my program includes, the results will be limited, if at all.  So, I’m sharing with you, my loyal readers, how I can best help someone who wants true, long-lasting change.

·       Accountability - We all have the best of intentions.  We have a goal, say, to lose 25 pounds.  Without an accountability partner who meets with you every week to help you stay on track, your success may be limited.

·       System - I earned Life & Health Coaching Certificates from Health Coach Institute in an intensive program.  My Total Transformation Program is based on scientific evidence that works for people who want permanent change.

·       Support - I am part cheerleader, celebrating your wins, both big and small, and part smart mirror (I made up that term), holding up a reflection of both what my clients currently project, whether consciously or subconsciously, and helping them modify how they show up in the world, based on their goals.

If you or someone you know is struggling with losing weight, yo-yo dieting, or feels frustrated with their own progress, please ask them to schedule a free discovery call.  It could be the one true thing that helps.

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