I have coached a lot of people who are preparing for big presentations: to get promotions, interview for jobs, or speak in front of high-stakes audiences. Recently, for the first time, a client asked me: “When you’ve coached people before who have been successful at this, what is the common thread? Is there something they all do that you think helps them succeed?”
Yes! I love this question. Here’s the common thread: if you’re working on something that’s important to you, that requires preparation and focus, you can’t fit it in around the edges of everything else you’re doing. Somehow, you have to find a way to put other things on the back burner—delete, delay, or delegate—so that you can give this new project the time it deserves.
I’ve noticed that clients who are consistent in making and keeping our coaching appointments, who spend time thinking about the work we’re doing, and who communicate with me between sessions are demonstrating a level of commitment to their own project that shows up in many areas. On the other hand, clients who cancel at the last minute, citing “being too busy” or “client obligations,” typically fall short in their preparation.
Let me be very clear: I’m not suggesting that missing coaching time with me torpedoes their work. The missed sessions are a symptom of a person who has not figured out how to prioritize the speech, the presentation, or the job interview in all the areas of their life, not just coaching.
If it’s important, don’t try to fit it in around the edges. That’s it.
