So what are you doing all this for?
You know what I mean: the early mornings, the hard work, the pounding of the pavement. The new clients, the problem clients, the missed appointments.
Why are you doing all this work to grow your business coaching practice?
I hope the answer isn’t relegated to just one thing. Yes, you’re doing it to make a living, but there’s more to life than finances. In fact, if your sole focus is on the financial aspects of your life, you’re missing out on a lot of important depth and texture that makes life worth living!
So today, let’s talk about how you can be sure to keep a holistic view of just what you’re working for: real fulfillment. There are seven areas of a successful life — what I like to call the seven “f’s” of fulfillment.
Here they are.
Faith
Maybe you’re not a religious person. Maybe you’re thinking, why does this top the list? But the fact of the matter is, whether or not you subscribe to a particular set of beliefs, you have something that roots you in meaning. What are your highest values? Where do you place your ultimate hope? How do you discern what is ethical and worthy of pursuit? While religious traditions provide powerful answers to these questions, everyone needs to know why it matters that they do what they do. So spend some time reflecting on what it is for you.
Fidelity
Here I mean fidelity to a spouse. Most people are partnered, and tending to your relationship with your spouse is one of the most important ways you can build a fulfilling life. So if you’re letting work get in the way of your marriage, stop, re-evaluate, and do some work. A good marriage has been proven to be one of the most important contributors to happiness and prosperity.
Family
Are you surprised we haven’t hit finances yet? That’s because our families matter more. If you have kids, being able to spend time with them, talk with them, play with them, support them, is of paramount importance. Maybe you’re tending to an ailing parent. Maybe you want your life full of laughter and relationships. Tend to your family relationships and your fulfillment will increase.
Friends
And we’re still not talking about money! Friendship is one of life’s most beautiful gifts — the ability to walk through life with someone you’ve chosen. Friendships change and morph over time, but it’s important to invest in them. So be sure to carve out time for experiences with friends.
Finances
Ah, here we are. Yes, yes, money is important too. But notice that it comes after the issues of ultimate concern and meaning. Money isn’t as important as faith, fidelity, family, and friends — but it can impact those relationships in meaningful ways. The better you’re able to manage your finances, the more you’ll be able to contribute and enjoy the time you spend focusing on what matters most. So tend to your financial wellbeing, so that you can be freed up to invest your time, talents, and treasure were you can make the most impact.
Fitness
Nothing can derail fulfillment faster than a health crisis. Sometimes these things are impossible to control; other times, they’re the predictable outcome of being overworked, underslept, and running on junk food and caffeine. Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat well, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. It sounds so basic, but your health is the building block of everything else.
Fun
Finally, fun. Life isn’t all just duty and obligation. Take time to yourself to do what you love. Recharge your batteries. Let yourself escape. Fun is important for creativity, productivity, and collaboration, so be sure to find ways to enjoy yourself!
When you do it right, business coaching is a fantastic lifestyle business that can give you the time and financial freedom to live a truly fulfilling life in each of these seven critical areas. Want to learn how? Download our FREE ebook, How to Become a Business Coach.
