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Barson Coaching and Training

​​Step 1

Where are you now, and where have you been

What is the transition you are making?  Why are you taking this step?  What do you hope to accomplish?  What changes do you want or need to make? What are you giving up? What are you gaining?  What will this likely mean day to day? How will this change impact others? Is there something that means so much to you that you feel you must keep it in some form? Is there something you feel you must absolutely leave behind? 

As you consider this new version of you, you must be clear about what you are leaving behind – good and bad - and be ready to move on. Some find this relatively easy, while some find it very difficult.  It is here that you must fully see, understand and accept what is, so that you can move toward what’s possible.


​​Step 2

Where are you planning to go

In step 2 we’ll look down the road.  I’ll ask you to “paint a picture,” to give me your “best thoughtful guess,” of where your life transition will take you. A “rough sketch” of what you would like your life to look like in 3 years. I’ll ask you to give me some bullet points describing what your life will be like at that point in time. What is most important in that picture and what we need  to accomplish over the next 6-12 months to make those things possible. If you are currently in crisis we may create 2 pictures, one 2-6 months out (post height of crisis) and the second 3 years out). 

This will give us a road map to work from. Knowing full well that this picture may change dramatically, it will still serve to clarify what you are thinking and expecting…and give us a solid place to start and clear path to follow. As we move along the map may stay pretty much the same, or it may change, but either way it will remain a solid reference point for us to work from.

Once you have fully and confidently accepted the current reality, and made it clear where you want to go, you’ll get moving with my support all along the way.

​​Step 3

How will you get there?

In step 3 we “reality test” your vision and goals. Together we’ll look at the path you’ve chosen and conduct a clear, honest assessment of your current resources and skills, as well an inventory of the resources and skills you’ll likely need at each key step along the way - what obstacles or opportunities may lie ahead. 

Which of these skills and resources do you possess? Which do you lack? How can they be obtained? What training might you need? Are you willing and able to do what will likely be needed?  Is there an alternate path that might be easier? More effective? Less costly? Or perhaps…Are you selling yourself short? Should you, or could you, be shooting for more? 

Most important, looking at the picture you’ve drawn of your future life, would this transition, if completed, deliver what you’re hoping for?    With the answers to these questions in hand, it will be time to move on to step 4 – the creation of a step-by-step action plan to make your transition a reality.

Change brings opportunity

Transitions, of whatever size, made for whatever reason, are unique windows of opportunity to make changes in your life. Whether a transition was initiated by a painful loss, or an exciting opportunity, the same holds true.  This applies if you are just beginning your transition, or if you are stuck somewhere in the middle. 

Exercise:  Unlocking invisible doors

We may include an exercise I developed specifically to take advantage of this opportunity.  We’ll engage our imaginations and use them to see if what we see is really all there is!  We’ll  look at specific elements of your transition – whether an opportunity or a road block – and use our imaginations to attempt to see it in a completely new way – from a new perspective - and see what might appear.  Using specific techniques, I’ll help you to set aside any preconceived notions, and free your imagination to explore what alternative possibilities might exist. 

​​Step 4

Make a successful transition

Using the roadmap we’ve created we’ll set clear attainable goals. Over 90-day sprints we’ll define key milestones for reaching those goals.  Wherever possible we’ll anticipate obstacles and develop strategies and practice skills for handling them well.  I’ll help you stay focused and accountable for moving your priorities forward. I’ll help you obtain the resources you’ll need as you proceed, including the interpersonal skills and insights you’ll use to establish the relationships - personal and professional - that will support your progress. Whether it be developing your communication skills, management skills, money management skills, problem solving skills, etc. I will be there to either directly provide what you need or to help you find it. Whatever happens, I will always be there to provide emotional and strategic support.