A Little Effort Equals GREAT Results

One of my favorite DREAM4 success stories involves a young lady who wanted to get in shape for the summer. She set her goal and we talked about what she’d need to achieve it. One of her resources was a free workout room at her apartment.

Her initial idea was to work out four times a week. That’s a lot, especially when she’s trying to create a new habit, but she wanted to “challenge” herself. After a few weeks, we revisited her plan. She had missed a few times and eventually gave up.

She had missed some workouts so in her mind she failed. Perfectionism whispered, “You’ve missed too much. It’s not doable. Eat some ice cream, you’ll feel better.” In his book Finish, Jon Acuff writes, “This is the first lie that perfectionism tells you about goals: Quit if it isn’t perfect.”

Effort isn’t working out 7 days a week. Effort is starting small, creating a good habit, and building momentum. She and I went back and set a more manageable goal. Once a week, every week. If you miss your designated day, make it up. She gave herself permission to miss and make up.

Her once a week effort started to produce positive results. Six weeks after she began with her new manageable plan she texted me announcing she was adding an additional day to workout.

When summer arrived she was ready, she had met her goal and was enjoying the results. Her new goal is to get her husband to work out with her. Baby steps.

Even small actions can have a big impact. DREAM4 believes that people who are passionate, dependable, motivated, and problem-solvers in their personal lives will show these same characteristics as employees. Learn more about how we can help you develop your team personally and professionally!

Frequently Asked Questions

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What's the difference between personal coaching and leadership coaching?

Personal coaching focuses on individual growth and development across various professional and personal dimensions. Leadership coaching specifically targets skills needed to effectively lead teams, including delegation, motivation, and strategic thinking.

When and where do coaching sessions take place?

Coaching sessions take place during work hours while team members are on the clock at intervals that best suit your needs. Our regular cadence of coaching is every 4-6 weeks, though we customize frequency based on goals and timeline requirements. Coaching can take place online via virtual meetings, or over the phone. Local clients can opt for in-person coaching.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Coaching provides a structured approach to personal and professional development, helping people solve real problems while gaining skills that benefit both their careers and personal lives. Organizations see improved retention, satisfaction, and productivity.

How long does a typical coaching engagement last?

Most organizations see optimal results with a 12-month initial engagement, though we offer flexible terms from 3-month to multi-year partnerships. This allows for meaningful behavior change, skill development, and cultural transformation. Many clients continue beyond their initial term as they see the ongoing value of supporting their people’s growth and development.

What is the ROI of coaching?

Organizations implementing our coaching programs typically see measurable improvements in employee retention, productivity, and engagement. Our assessment tools provide concrete data on progress and growth throughout the coaching relationship.

Is the coaching process confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our coaching relationship. While overall themes and progress may be shared with management (with permission), specific discussions remain private between coach and participant.

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