Coachamatic

In this internet-information age of self-proclaimed experts and a new step-by-step success program born every 1/100th of a second, it is easy to be hypnotized into thinking that this or that educational program is going to give us what we need to get what we desire. We are drawn to experts who seem to have the success we desire for ourselves. And often, those experts are happy to sell us their success secrets in a pretty package, all wrapped up in some easy to digest formula that promises to be quick, easy and relatively painless.

My friend Peggy and I laugh at ourselves all the time because we are so easily seduced by experts who offer such programs. We both love to learn and we are both growing our businesses, so we are often lured by the next great coaching program or that seven-week course that will sky-rocket our website hits into the stratosphere.

Thousands of dollars later, we have both come to realize that,

yes, there are times when we have participated in a course or coaching program that made a significant difference in our progress and personal process towards a certain goal or dream. But more often than not, we have ended up spending a lot of money for a ton of pdf’s and mp3’s that leave us feeling guilty and frustrated because we only implemented about 2% of what that program offered. Or we ended up feeling disappointed and cheated because we just didn’t get the results we thought we would.

I have learned that just because a certain “way” or “program” or “path” worked for such-and-such an expert doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Just because it was the “greatest experience ever” for your cousin Jim, doesn’t mean it’s going to be great for you. Just because this formula allowed someone to make a bazillion dollars doesn’t mean you are going to make a dime.

So, the next time you are feeling seduced by the next great six-week course or marketing-your-way-to-millions megathon, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does the idea of participating in this program rock my world? Am I thrilled out of my mind by this program?

If not, if this program is only mildly interesting, or if, heaven forbid, you are attracted to it because you feel you “should” do participate, pass it by. Often, when we are drawn to the information but not thrilled by the actual course, it’s because something about it just isn’t right for our own unique way of learning things. Or maybe the information sounds yummy, but the personality of the person presenting the information isn’t a good match for you.

Trust your excitement. Trust it if it lasts more than a day. If some program keeps calling to you, for whatever reason, it could be a perfect match for you.

2. Can this wait?

My friend Eva never buys anything in the moment it is presented to her. If she’s interested in an offer for a course or a product, she makes a note of it and slips that note in with her monthly bills. If she still is interested when she pays her bills, then she may go ahead and purchase it.

Now, in this age of “Act now or die!” and early-registration discounts, it’s a challenge to live by Eva’s rule. Just remember, anything offered today will be offered again and usually at a time that is perfect for you and at a much better price.

3. Does this match my needs and desires right now in this red-hot moment?

Whenever toilet paper goes on sale, my mother fills closets full of the stuff. This is not a bad strategy for buying toilet paper but it’s a sucky strategy for investing in an educational or coaching program.

Don’t invest in it now because you think you may need it someday, even someday soon. When we reach for something we really don’t need in this moment, it usually comes from a feeling of lack, that it is won’t be there when we need it so we better buy it now!

If you can’t really use it now, chances are you won’t use it later. You just won’t. Because later you’ll be drawn to some other program that feels even better and juicier, and you’ll buy that one rather than take that old product or program off the shelf.

4. Ask yourself, why?

Why do you want to take this course or program? What excites you about it? What intrigues you? Is it because someone else said it was great, or do you personally feel drawn to it? Why do you feel drawn to it? What do you think it will give you that you don’t have now?

Interview yourself in this way and see what it is you really want.

5. Do I have the time and am I willing to commit myself fully to the success of this program?

So many times I’ve taken a great course but I took it at the wrong time. I would sign up KNOWING I really didn’t have the time or the energy to devote to implementing that program. But my greed for the information and my fear of missing out would overrule my common sense. As you can imagine, the results were disappointing.

Even if you are totally jazzed about some program, be honest with yourself about your ability to devote the time and energy you need to STAY jazzed about that program. If you’re really thrilled about it, you will make it a priority. If you’re not willing to make it a priority, you’re probably not that thrilled, and it can wait.

Whatever sounds good today will sound really good tomorrow if it’s truly calling you. Trust your gut and your excitement, but allow yourself some time to get clear on what your true motivation is. Ask yourself, why do I want to take this program? And know that there will always be a brighter, shinier program just around the corner.

Posted on Sep 20th 06 by Nancy Tierney.

Nancy Tierney is a jazz/cabaret singer and performance/speech coach who teaches people how to speak or perform in public with unconditional confidence, ease and creative charisma. http://www.unconditionalconfidence.com

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