Remember the Robert Frost poem about good fences making good neighbors? I am reminded of that as I write about my risk for today.
My risk is that I just told a new client, “No.” Yikes! The client is actually two people – a business partnership – and they wanted to move an appointment from this week to next, to two days before Christmas.
Now this is not an unusual request. Many people are working right up to the holiday, and that is their choice. I, however, have chosen to do something different, and won’t be seeing clients from the 22nd until the 6th of January. (This is one of the gorgeous realities of owning my own business!)
Why is not granting their request a risk? Because I love these clients and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize their trust in me, or the momentum they are building as a result of our work together. However, if I am to be the very best coach for them, I must set the boundaries (put up fences) that honor me and my choices first, both as an example for them, and as a gift to me! That is the way I stay on the path of living my best life, creating the reality I want, and doing it my way! (Is that Frank Sinatra I hear singing in the background?)
It was a scary thing to do, but I did it, and I offered them a couple of other times this week. I haven’t heard back yet, but regardless of the outcome, I feel good that I said what I said. My hope, of course, is that we’ll work something out, and that nothing will come of it but more respect – more mutual respect among the three of as business people, and more self-respect for and from me!
What self-respecting boundary can you risk taking today?
Maybe the lyrics to “My Way” (recorded by Frank Sinatra) will help… 
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
To think I did all that;
And may I say – not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.
For what is a wo/man, what has s/he got?
If not her/himself, then s/he has naught.
To say the things s/he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!
Laura Biering has an infectious zeal for coaching people who want to do
enlivening work and live inspired lives. She's fired up about the power of taking risks - great and small - and the rewards that come as a result. She's also passionate about (1) creativity and authenticity and their potential to change the world, (2) frolicking with her adorable four-legged children, and (3) retreating with those she loves at her farm in Southeast Georgia, Brinson's Race. Visit her website at True Voices.
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