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Postal address: P O Box 58 696, Botany, Auckland 2163 Telephone: 09 272 3974 0800 80 1994 email: [email protected] Institute House: 24 Carousel Crescent, Auckland 2016
PROSPECTUS / FACTS PACK
Life Coaching Business Training Correspondence Course
New career?
Have you heard people say
“I’m working hard but I’m not getting anywhere”?
Maybe you’ve seen good people running around in circles,
getting more frustrated by the day…
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity.
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
COURSE CONTENTS
Tutorial 1 Understanding the popularity of life
coaching and knowing what is involved
in being a life coach. Knowing how to
set success boundaries and how to apply
success tactics and strategies and then to
recognise and avoid bad practices.
Learn the seven secrets to being a
successful life coach.
Tutorial 2 Understanding the importance of your
personal character qualities and
knowing the value of and when to use
your own life experiences. The
importance of ‘personality’ for a life
coach and how to improve your
essential communication skills.
How to read your client's body language
signals. The importance of making a
good impression. Tips on becoming a
good role model. Understanding the
impact of our own beliefs. The power of
self-talk: negative and positive. How to
keep your personal life separate from
your professional life. How to set
boundaries, and stay within them. How
to devise a crisis management plan.
How to be and stay resourceful. How to
prepare your own life coaching mission
statement. How to prepare your life
coaching promise statement.
Tutorial 3 How to use life coaching tools.
How to use client reflection exercises.
14 Common coaching obstacles and
how to deal with them. How to help
your client remove their own obstacles.
What to do when your client has low
self esteem, or self-destructs. How to
change a belief system. How asking the
right question secures the most honest
response. How to avoid problem words,
eg: But, Try, Don’t etc. How to
introduce a positive tone into a negative
conversation. How to use the
‘summarising’ tool.How to manage the
first contact with your new client. How
to get commitment from a diffident
potential client. How to prepare your
life coaching contract. How to establish
session times and duration. How to
handle fees, confidentiality,
cancellations, terminations.
The importance of a ‘Client Promise’
statement.
Tutorial 4 How to prepare for a client coaching
session. How to conduct your first
client interview. Useful ‘Interview
Notes’ template. Key question:
“What do you consider is missing in
your life?” How to recognise your
client’s real needs. Why self-enquiry
is better than you questioning the
client. How to recognise what is
holding your client back.
How to use the S-W-O-T analysis
chart. How to get your client to
identify their life’s purpose. How to
create a ‘Life Assessment Form’
template. How to help your client
establish their own goals. How to
get clients to do things between
coaching sessions. How to combat
client procrastination.
Understanding the ‘problem-
solving-cycle’. Is your client a
visual, auditory or kinaesthetic
person? How to use the ‘Seven
Secrets of Life Coaching’.
Tutorial 5 How to get your client to establish
firm goals and commitments. How
to explain to clients that they
always have choices. How to coax
a negative-thinking client into
being positive. How to move your
client’s responses from general to
specific. Helping clients find their
own solutions to life’s problems.
Powerful questions: “How will
your life change when you …?”
The impact of using “when”
instead of “if”. How to use the
energy behind the YES word.
How to get the client’s real
meaning behind fudged phrases.
How to help the client with a fear
of making changes.
Sample coaching scripts.
How to move on from ‘fantasy
goals’ which aren’t relevant now.
How to get indecisive clients to find
real commitment. Why the coach
stays neutral about the client’s life
and job. How ‘power questions’
help your client focus on what’s
important. Recognise the
difference between ‘attracting’
and ‘withdrawing’. How to close a
coaching session on a high note.
How to name and register your
business. Where to get free
business cards to promote your
services. Letterheads, flyers,
networking, blogs, space ads. How
to develop your Marketing Plan.
How to practise on ‘volunteer
clients’ before you start charging.
Tutorial 6 How to move from volunteer (no
fee) clients to charging a fee.
Understanding your fiduciary and
legal obligations. Setting some
target numbers for your first year
in business. Know where to
establish your base location.
Whether you should work at home
or use a leased office. Give special
consideration to where you
interview clients. Your basic
business tools. Desk computer or
Laptop? Knowing how much to
charge. Knowing how to set up a
‘package of coaching sessions’.
Whether to charge per session, or
per month retainer? How extra
services give ‘added value’ to
what you offer. Knowing how
long it takes to get established.
How to set your fees at the right
level for your market. How to use
marketing techniques to build
recognition. Creating your own
website, blog and Internet and
social media presence. How to
create and sell your newsletters,
eBooks. etc. How to use Google to
promote your business online.
Networking is the way to meet
prospective clients. How to get
free press coverage of what you
do. Life coaches who are public
speakers earn more. How to
become famous. How to create
your own books, CDs, DVDs,
podcasts. How to host regular
workshops for groups. How to
turn contacts into paying clients.
What to talk about when potential
clients call you. When and why
you should specialise in niche
coaching. Creating long-term
success and steady income as a
life coach. Adding DipLC to the
letters after your name.
© Copyright NZIBS
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
INTRODUCTION
Have you heard people say “I’m working
hard but I’m not getting anywhere”? Maybe
you’ve seen good people running around in
circles, getting more frustrated by the day.
Do you see people climbing the ladder of life,
but they haven’t noticed it’s parked against the
wrong wall.
These people, and thousands like them, need
help. They need a life coach.
You don’t have to know the intricacies of their
business or their private circumstances to
coach them. If you suggest some strategies
which will help the person get a handle on
their life – you’ll be their saviour, their hero.
Being a life coach is about helping people.
You could be that person.
You could become a life coach. This training
programme will show you the way. There
are six steps on this journey.
One of the techniques you’ll learn is called
“Start with the final objective and work
backwards to where you are today.” Let’s try
it. If your objective is to have a business you
can do from home, being only as busy as
you wish, earning what you know you are
worth – consider life coaching.
The Life Coach course has these entry
requirements:
1 You must like helping people.
2 You must have a broad spectrum of
life experience.
3 You must be (or learn how to be) a good
communicator.
Have you got what it takes to be a life
coach? Being a professional life coach
(Dip.LifeCoach) is a fairly new career.
It can be voluntary or a highly paid
business. Coaching itself dates back to
Plato, Demosthenes and biblical
leaders. Gandhi, Churchill and
Mandela were coaches. Today’s top
sports players and business leaders all
have personal coaches.
Being successful at living LIFE is far
more important than winning a sports
game or closing a business deal.
You’ll be guiding people where the
stakes are high – that person’s sense of
life balance, general wellbeing and
happiness.
Yes, your clients will pay you, but the
real satisfaction comes from knowing
you’re making a beneficial difference
to people’s lives.
Being a Life Coach is about helping people. Not by ‘being nice to them’ but by showing people how to get more from life, without anxiety, frustration and
tension. “He can’t see the wood for the trees.” This is when a life coach helps someone recognise and refresh their focus.
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
- You will draw upon your own qualities of character, your own life experiences.
- You will learn how to suggest strategies which will help your clients achieve their aspirations
and objectives.
- You will learn how not to take charge of your client’s lives.
- You will learn how to operate a business based on nurturing clients who each pay you a fee for
the support you give them.
- You will learn how to establish that business, from a standing start.
- You will learn how to set your fees according to the calibre of service you provide.
- You will grow and develop yourself as a person. “We learn best that which we teach” said Tim
Hendricks, and he’s right.
“I faced the prospect of returning to
work after spending years raising my
kids. I lacked confidence and, although
I wanted a career, I just didn’t know
where to start. A friend recommended
a Life Coach. Even from that first
session, I felt more confident and my
coach helped me develop a plan of
action. In the sessions that followed, I
realised my strengths and decided to
take a course in floral design. Each
session gave me an incredible boost
and I started to have greater self-
belief. Eventually, I passed my course
and went on to set up my own thriving
floral design business – something I
never imagined was possible. I could
never have done this without the
support of my Life Coach and even
now I still book a regular session to
enhance other aspects of my life.”
-Jenny
“After taking a gap year to travel, I
came back with no clear idea about
what I wanted to do next. A friend
suggested a consultation with a Life
Coach to help me assess my strengths
and gain clarity about my future goals.
After just a couple of sessions,
I realised I wanted to teach. My Life
Coach provided the prompts, targets
and motivation I needed. I’ve since
completed my teaching course and
discovered that I have a natural
aptitude for teaching. I now work in a
lovely rural school and absolutely love
my job. I highly recommend life
coaching to everyone as it has
certainly changed my life for the
better.” –Barry
“I felt my life was going nowhere but I
was reluctant about hiring a life coach as
I thought (mistakenly) that they would be
intimidating and controlling. I was really
fed-up with my life though so I finally
decided to give it a go. And I’m so glad I
did! My Life Coach is absolutely fantastic,
and, contrary to what I thought, she isn’t
intimidating or controlling. It’s me who
makes all the decisions and she is there to
give me much needed motivation and
support. She has helped me realise what
I’m good at, and I’m now pursuing a new
career. On the whole, I feel much happier
about my life.” -Alex
Consider the positive influences life coaches bring . . .
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
Almost any mature person can become a life coach
Anyone* who enjoys helping people should consider taking this course.
Duration is four months. Students tell us they enjoy the whole learning process.
Age, ethnicity, physical disabilities and other challenges don’t matter. All students are
treated equally. Where you live doesn’t matter either.
* Mature people without textbook qualifications, but with ‘life skills’ are welcome.
Students who live outside New Zealand are welcome. There is a fee to cover international
postage and courier deliveries. International student fees must be paid in full at
enrolment. All normal student benefits apply equally.
You’ll have a personal tutor who is responsible for your progress throughout the course.
You’ll receive:
Six lessons in Life Coaching where you learn by doing
That’s the best way to learn
Six assignments leading to your Diploma
The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan and
Barbara Pease
Coach Yourself to Success by Tom Preston
A recommended reading list
Public Speaking Information
Troubleshooting and knowing where to go to get the
answers you require when your course is done
Access to the Student Discussion Forum
Personal one on one telephone call with your tutor on
Chat To Your Tutor Day
Plus:
Reply-paid envelopes for posting assignments to
your tutor.
Your own STUDENT ID and – following graduation –
an invitation to join the Institute’s Graduate Club.
Student Handbook. Please read this first.
WHO CAN BE A LIFE COACH
WHAT YOU GET
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
The entry level qualifications are simple and straightforward. You must have:
1. Ambition 2. Enthusiasm 3. The willingness to learn If you have these important attitudes, the course will teach you the knowledge
and skills you need to ensure your success. You do not need a university degree or academic qualifications. Once you know what the industry wants from you, and you’ve learned how to supply it, you’ll have an income-earning skill for life! As you’ll discover, Life Coaching is a business that can go far beyond simply talking to people. By the time you graduate you will have a thorough knowledge for a rewarding career.
This is your official student identity card. It may open a few doors when you do research or photographic field trips. It enables you to ask for student discounts when you buy camera supplies, books, computer equipment, stationery materials etc. It is also useful when you are offered ‘student rates’ at the cinema, theatre or other venues. Keep your ID card safe and use your privileges with discretion.
The Institute Life Coaching Diploma is awarded to those people who complete this course to the standard required. You must do all the assignments to your tutor’s satisfaction and you may occasionally be asked to repeat an assignment if your tutor feels you have not grasped the concept being taught. Your tutor will give you extra assistance at no extra charge. We encourage every student to graduate. Your Diploma is the official recognition that you’ve successfully completed your life coaching studies. However, the practical experience you will have acquired throughout the course will be of equal importance and as a trained life coach you’ll find people will request your presence to help them move forward in their own lives.
WHAT’S REQUIRED OF YOU
YOUR STUDENT ID & GRADUATION
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT NZIBS
Students who have taken NZIBS courses
have learned precisely what they need to
know to become competent in their
chosen field.
Our collection of “thank you” letters is
impressive.
“My tutor was encouraging and I have gained
confidence from her feedback. Correspondence
(delivery) suits me well. There is no chance of me
getting unnerved by the competition. I have only
praise for my tutor and I respect her opinion. She
marks assignments thoroughly and thoughtfully
and never shoots you down, but has a lovely way
of advising where a new approach is needed.”
-Annie Easton of Auckland
“I liked the fact that I was able to set my own
pace of study while managing a full time job. I
also enjoyed the opportunity to chat to my tutor. I
enjoyed the range of topics covered and the
newsletters attached to the returned tutorials.”
Note: Jane studied Creative Writing.
- Jane Davies-Colley of Auckland
“I liked being able to study in my own home. I
appreciated the cost to benefit ratio, the variety of
subject matter and the depth of information
provided. The course has given me a very
realistic idea of the work required to actually
succeed. Each assignment I completed gave me a
sense of accomplishment and progress.”
- Rhonda Rendle of Hamilton
“I loved the fact that I could do the course at my
own pace and that there was so much support
from my tutor and other staff members. The
course gave me the opportunity to try out all types
of writing and helped me decide on the genre I
liked best. I appreciated having the return
envelopes and folder to keep my assignments and
tutorials in. It will be a great reference resource.
This course has helped my confidence. I now
know I can do it.”
- Rose Tutty of Napier
Anne Hilton Dip. LCC
“Correspondence was a useful way of learning
for me as I could work at my own pace and still
get on with my job. I had time to study each
tutorial and go back to any areas I did not fully
understand. I feel I have built up a good rapport
with my tutor. She has been helpful and made
good suggestions. She addressed problems in
easy-to-understand ways. Aspects of the course I
particularly enjoyed were that everything was
done by correspondence and was explained
clearly by a helpful tutor. Any question I asked
was answered immediately and I felt the feedback
was positive and I learned from it. I have been
able to finish the course and feel enthused. With
most other courses I have participated in, I have
only felt relief when I finished.”
- Carolyn Carroll of Masterton
“Initially I wanted to improve a skill I already
had. Now I would love to make a career out of
writing. My tutor was awesome and extremely
helpful. She was always so positive and
constructive with her comments. Aspects of the
course I particularly liked were its flexibility, the
fact that the course was very comprehensive and
informative and easy to understand. The tutors
were helpful, friendly and skilled. Everything was
made easy to access and understand. The
administrative staff were approachable and
helpful and catered to the many and diverse needs
of students. The course has given me more
confidence and improved my writing. It has also
helped me realise I want to, and can, make a
career out of writing. My only regret is that (the
course) is over.”
- Sarra Chircop of Whangarei
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
Graduates Club Newsletter #350
Reproduced for educational purposes.
Adapted from an Internet story, author unknown.
The older I get, the more
I enjoy Saturday mornings.
Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude
that comes with being the first
to rise, or maybe it's the joy of
not having to be at work. Either
way, the first few hours of a
Saturday morning are most
enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was sitting at
the kitchen table drinking my
coffee and scanning the morning
paper. What began as a typical
Saturday morning turned into one
of those lessons life seems to
hand you from time to time. Let
me tell you about it . . .
I turned up the volume on my
radio to listen to Saturday
morning talkback. I heard an
older man with a golden voice
responding to a previous
caller and he was talking
about a thousand marbles.
“To caller Tom,” he said,
“it sure sounds like you're
busy with your job. I'm sure
they pay you well but it's a
shame you have to be away
from your home and family
so much. It’s hard to believe
a young fellow should have to
work 60 or 70 hours a week to
make ends meet and I was sorry
to hear you had to miss your
daughter's dance recital.
May I tell you something that
has helped me keep a good
perspective on my own
priorities?"
With that comment he began to
explain his theory of 1000
marbles.
“You see, I sat down one
day and did a little
arithmetic.
The average bloke lives
about 75 years. So I
multiplied 75 years by 52
weeks and got 3900. That’s
the number of
Saturdays the average
bloke has in his lifetime.
“I began to think about this
in detail when I was 55
years old” he said, “and
realised by the time I was
55, I had lived through
almost 2,900 of my
Saturdays.”
“I got to thinking - if I
live to be 75, I only have
about a thousand
Saturdays left to enjoy.”
"So I went to a toy store
and bought every single
marble they had. I ended
up visiting three toy stores
to round-up 1000 marbles.
I took them home and put
them inside a large, glass
jar here in my workshop
next to the radio. Every
Saturday since then, I’ve
taken one marble out
and -- thrown it away.
“I found that by watching
the marbles in the jar
diminish, I focused more
on the really important
things in life.
“There is nothing like
watching your time here on
earth run out, to help you
get your priorities straight.
Now let me tell you one last
thing before I sign off and
take my lovely wife out for
breakfast.
This morning, I took the last
marble out of the jar. So, I
figure if I make it until next
Saturday, then I’ve been
given a little extra time.”
“I’ll use it to make a
difference.”
“The one thing we can all
use and the one thing we all
want, is more time.”
With that comment,
the old man hung up the
phone and there was silence.
Even the talk show host
didn't say a word.
What a great gift that old
man had given all of us who
were listening.
THE MAN WHO THREW AWAY HIS MARBLES
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
The New Zealand Institute of Business Studies was founded in 1991. The Institute is a New
Zealand organisation teaching to international standards and recognised as a leader in the
field of distance learning.
The Institute welcomes students from all over New Zealand and worldwide.
The NZIBS tutors are industry experts, providing unmatched knowledge gained through
decades of experience. In addition, the support team is dedicated to helping YOU to ensure
you get genuine advice and do well after completing your course. Hence you have access to
hugely talented creative people - all based in New Zealand.
Meet our people:
Principal Dr Liza Pujji PhD (University of Auckland)
BE Hons (University of Auckland)
Registrar Dr Harry Singh PhD (University of Otago)
MA (University of California)
Academic Administrator Julie Benns BASc (Auckland University of Technology)
Student Advisory officer Wendy Kissel BA (University of Canterbury)
TESOL (Christchurch College of Education)
Tutors:
Jill Malcolm Freelance Journalism
Jill Malcolm Freelance Travel Writing
Ian Jones Sports Journalism
Tina Shaw Creative Writing
Tina Shaw Short Story Writing
Tina Shaw Mystery/Thriller Writing
Tina Shaw Write Your First Novel
Joan Rosier-Jones Write your Family History
Brian Miller Digital Photography for Beginners
Robert van de Voort Freelance Digital Photography
Janice Marriott Writing Stories for Children
Janice Marriott Writing Poetry
Dick Ward Proofreading & Editing
Val Gyde Proofreading & Editing
Katrien Brown Proofreading & Editing
Phil Linklater Modern Day Communication
Phil Linklater Life Coaching
Jean Drew Write Your First Romance Novel
Administration:
Postal address P O Box 58 696, Botany, Auckland 2163
Telephone 09 272 3974
Toll free 0800 80 1994
Mobile / WhatsApp 021801508
Email [email protected]
Bank ANZ Highbrook, 8 Business Parade S, Auckland 2013
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
Our Tutors - Team of Experts
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
Terms and Conditions
Postal address: P O Box 58 696, Botany, Auckland 2163 Tel 09 272 3974 Email: [email protected]
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
LCC
Student’s full name:
Preferred first name
Address:
Home telephone: ( ) Work telephone: ( )
Mobile number: ( ) Occupation:
Date of birth: / /19 Sex: Male / Female Email:
Please enrol me in the Correspondence Course: Life Coaching
For next course start date please call 0800 80 1994 or email: [email protected]
Course Fee = $1500 including gst
PAY NOW $1300 incl gst at commencement and SAVE $200.00
By Credit Card:
Please one of the following: [ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] Debit Card
Credit Card Number __________ ___________ __________ __________ Expiry date _______/_______
Signature _____________________________________ Name on card ___________________________________
Or Internet Banking: Please phone 0800 80 1994 for NZIBS bank account number and reference.
Or Cheque: Please make cheque payable to NZIBS.
PAY BY INSTALMENT $250 deposit and $250 per month for 5 months
By Credit Card:
Please one of the following: [ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] Debit Card
Credit Card Number __________ ___________ ________ __________ Expiry date ______/______
Signature ______________________________ Name on card ___________________________________
Or Internet Banking / Automatic Payment: Enclose deposit of $250 to hold a place.
Please phone 0800 80 1994 for NZIBS bank account number and reference. A payment schedule will be sent out with
your course acceptance letter.
Or Cheque: Please make cheque(s) payable to NZIBS.
Please read and sign the Terms & Conditions on the following page.
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
Terms and Conditions
Postal address: P O Box 58 696, Botany, Auckland 2163 Tel 09 272 3974 Email: [email protected]
Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity
Terms and Conditions
Student fees are for the duration of the course which is deemed to be one year following your start
date. If you have not completed your course by this time, a further one-year of studentship can be
granted at the discretion of the Principal. Fees do not include computer or photographic equipment.
A GST receipt will be issued for all fees paid.
Terms & Conditions It is mutually agreed:
1. You may examine the first tutorials of the course for 28 days.
If you decide for any reason whatsoever not to proceed you will receive a refund less
$250 initial pack costs, if you have paid your fees in full.
If a deposit only has been paid the student will keep the supplied pack and no more fees
are payable. The studentship contract will be deemed cancelled.
2. NZIBS reserves the right to decline this application in which case all money paid will be refunded.
3. If your application is accepted by the Institute, you undertake to make full payment of course fees in
the manner described.
4. At the successful conclusion of this course, provided you have met the required standards of tuition,
you will receive your graduation documentation from the Institute.
5. If the Examining Board decides that graduation standard has not been achieved, the course will be
extended at no cost for a further period of tuition determined by your tutor.
If even after further tuition the Examination Board determines that graduation standard
cannot be achieved, your course fees will be refunded in full.
It is agreed that to be eligible for a refund, students must complete the course and
demonstrate that they have made a reasonable effort to their tutor’s satisfaction.
The Institute cannot accept responsibility for any changes in personal circumstances,
including work commitments, once the course commences.
Course fees and deposits are not otherwise refundable.
6. It is mutually agreed that upon the refund of course fees the Institute has no further liability or
obligation to the student.
7. It is agreed that students must submit their own work. Any form of plagiarism found will incur a
written warning. Should the plagiarism continue, the student will be excluded from the course with
no entitlement to a refund.
8. These Terms & Conditions supersede all previously published by the Institute.
I agree to the above terms and conditions:
Signed _______________________________________________ Date______/________/______
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
Tutor Information Form
Postal address: P O Box 58 696, Botany, Auckland 2163 Tel 09 272 3974 Email: [email protected]
My name is: ______________________________________ I am male female
My date of birth: _____ / _____ /_____ My age is: ______ Present Occupation: _______________________
Daytime Phone: ( ) _______________________ Email: _______________________________________
This is my brief personal background:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
This is what I enjoy most about the work I am involved in at present:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
These are the goals I wish to achieve:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
These are the special skills, strengths and experiences I have:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
My highest level of formal English language training is:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Why I feel I would make a good life coach:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
When I graduate I plan to use my skills in this way:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICE USE: Tutor Assigned: _______ Student ID: LCC _____________________ Start Date: ______________
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies Telephone 0800 80 1994 www.nzibs.co.nz [email protected]
The day that turned my
life around
Graduates Club Newsletter
#915 Reproduced for educational
purposes.
Based on Jim Rohn’s own story.
I was 25 when I met a
man called Earl Shoaff. I
didn’t realise it at the
time but this chance
encounter would
change my life forever. Until then my life had been
embarrassingly typical of
those people who lead
mediocre lives with not much
achievement and even less
happiness. When I left my parents’ home I
had ambition. I wanted to achieve
great things. However, life did not
turn out as I'd expected.
I was impatient to find work
earning big money. Back then I
didn't have any trouble getting a job.
(I was yet to understand the differ-
ence between making a living and
making a life.)
Shortly afterwards, I got married.
I made lots of promises to my wife
about our wonderful future. After
all, I was ambitious. I was sincere. I
really wanted to succeed. And I
worked hard. I thought our success
was assured!
When I turned 25 I’d been
working for six years. I decided to
take stock of my life. Actually,
things weren't going well. Back then
my weekly pay amounted to $57.
I was behind in my promises and
even further behind with the pile of
bills on our rickety kitchen table.
I was a father with responsibilities
to my wife and expanding family.
Saddest of all was when I
realised I had gradually settled
into quietly accepting my life of
being poor and miserable.
In a moment of honesty I saw that
rather than making progress,
actually I was falling further
behind financially with each
passing day.
Something clearly had to
change . . . but what?
Maybe hard work alone doesn't do
it? For me, this was a shocking
realisation I had been raised to
believe that the good life comes to
those who earn their living by the
sweat of their brow. But it was plain
as day that, although I was sweatin'
plenty, I was on my way to being
broke, in debt, and in need of
government assistance. I would be
just like all the people around me.
But I was only 25, for goodness
sake!
This terrified me. I couldn't face
that kind of future. Not a lifetime
of it. Not while I’m living in the
richest country in the world!
What should I do?
How could I change the
direction of my life?
I had more questions than
answers.
I thought about going to night
school. Having only one year of
college doesn't look good on a job
application. But with a family to
look after, going back to school
seemed impractical.
Then I thought about starting a
business. Now that got me excited.
But I didn’t have any capital.
After all, money was one of my
big problems. I always had too
much month left at the end of the
money. (Have you ever been in
that position?)
One day, I lost ten dollars. It
upset me so much that I felt
physically sick. Sick over losing
ten dollars! One of my friends
tried to cheer me up. “Jim,”
he said, “maybe some poor soul
found it who needed it more than
you.”
Believe me, that did not cheer me
up. As far as I was concerned I was
the person who needed to find ten
dollars, not lose it.
So that's where I was at age 25 -
behind on my dreams and without
a clue about how to change my
life for the better.
Then one day good fortune came
my way. Why do good
things happen when they do?
I really don't know. Maybe good
luck or meeting the right person
at the right time is part of the
mystery of life.
Anyway, my good fortune came
when I met a very special man
called Earl Shoaff.
He was conducting a training
session I attended. I can’t tell you
what he said that evening but he
captivated me. I remember
thinking to myself “I would give
anything to be like him.”
At the end of his talk it took all
the courage I could muster just to
walk up to him and introduce
myself. In spite of my stutter, he
must have seen in my eyes my
burning desire to succeed.
He was kind and generous with
his time - and he took a liking to
me.
A few months later he hired me
to work with him. Over the next
five years I learned many of life's
most important lessons from Mr
Shoaff.
He treated me like a son,
spending hours teaching me his
personal philosophy. Then one
day, at age 49, without any
warning, Mr Shoaff died.
After mourning the loss of my
mentor, I took time to assess the
impact he'd had on my life.
I realised that the best thing I'd
got from him was not a job. It was
what I'd become as a man. I was
living an exciting life based on his
philosophy and his fundamentals
for successful living. I’d learned
how to be healthy, wealthy and -
some people say - wise.
During the next few years I put
all his ideas into practice in my
life and I prospered. But the most
gratifying experience was sharing
Mr Shoaff’s ideas with my family,
friends and employees.
His ideas made a huge
difference in how my life turned
out. I took up the challenge of
communicating Mr Shoaff’s
wisdom to others.
Mr Shoaff had told me
“Whatever you do in life, study
that subject thorough-ly. Read
books about it. Get some extra
training. Become an expert at it.
Enjoy your involvement.”