Win Harper | Life and Leadership Coach

Clarence: Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?  Memorable quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life”

I watched the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” this past weekend.  I love that movie for its timeless message, and it provides a great coaching moment.  George Bailey did not recognize or appreciate the impact he had on others’ lives.  Do you recognize or appreciate yours?  Do you know what your impact is?

In coaching we say that the impact you naturally create in the world is your “Life Purpose”, and when you are living your Life Purpose you are fulfilled and making a difference.  I use two techniques for helping my clients discovering their impact.

First, I use a Tony Robbins’ exercise that starts with me asking the client, “When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?” For me, I wanted to be a cowboy, Hopalong Cassidy to be specific.  I wasn’t going to be one of those singing cowboys like Gene Autry or Roy Rogers.  Then I ask the client, “What impact did you want to have?”  What was the impact I wanted to have on others as a cowboy?  I wanted to help people.  I wanted to defend those who couldn’t defend themselves.  I didn’t become a cowboy, and at the same time I joined the Marine Corps and served my country for 26 years defending those who could not defend themselves.  I also wanted to be a salesman, like my dad.  What was the impact I wanted to have as a salesman?  Well to me, at its noblest, sales is about helping people get what they want.  I didn’t become a salesman, and at the same time as a life coach I am helping people get what they want.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  What impact did you want to have by being that?

Second, I have a series of visualizations and exercises I use with my clients that generate impressions and allow them to gather insights into the impact they naturally have on others.  After the visualizations and exercises, I coach them on what they came up with.  We look for patterns and key words.  In one hour, we have a draft of the client’s “Life Purpose Statement.”

My Life Purpose , the natural impact I want to have, and my careers have been aligned, and I have lived a fulfilled life.

Your Life Purpose is your life legacy.  What will you leave behind?  What difference will you make in the lives of those you touch?  Answer those questions and start living your “Wonderful Life” now.