I have several circles of friends with whom I mingle with regularly. We check in and catch up and laugh and moan. Inevitably and understandably, most gatherings turn into rants about our jobs, co-workers, families, lives…we complain about being stuck and frustrated, or we just wish things were easier. We’re empathetic, supportive and encouraging with each other and I can’t imagine not having these built-in support groups throughout the ups and downs of my own journey.
Oprah says, “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” But it’s not always easy to put the kabash on a friend’s rant. It’s an unfair position to be in, having to decide when someone’s venting should stop and when the uplifting should begin. I speak from experience as I’ve provoked many frustrated responses to my intuitive let’s-find-the-good-in-this-situation rally.
It made me think. As a lifelong facilitator of self-development, I’m usually the one to try to steer conversations in a more positive direction, much to the eye-rolling of my friends. So why not offer that to other friend-circles? Why not help guide other peoples’ conversations toward more inspiring outcomes that encourage people to take action and align themselves with what they really want? How many friendships could I save!
Hence, the Coaching Party! It’s not a new idea; think Tupperware parties. But without the Tupperware and without the heavy selling at the end:
You host the party. You can invite friends, family and/or co-workers. I’ll come and facilitate a two-three hour interactive conversation in the comfort of your own home, business or location of your choosing. This is where a small group of participants get to come together in a safe environment and talk about things that matter. Each person gets to state their dream and the obstacle or limitation that’s holding them back. The rest of the group gets to chew on it and offer support, encouragement, solutions and resources that can provide the person with plenty of inspiration and action steps to leave with.
Everyone in the group walks away with plenty of inspiration, not just with their own possibilities, but with everyone else’s too. They can take advantage of the support and accountability from their group as they continue to build on the momentum they felt during the party.
These parties are customizable. They can be a one-time event, or you, the host, can choose the number of gatherings depending on what the group wants to accomplish. Hosts don’t have to pay and they’ll also receive a bonus one-hour coaching session with me. Attendees pay $37 for the initial gathering; there must be at least four participants and no more than nine. It’s a great idea for birthdays, bridal showers, team building or new years parties. Also great as a quarterly event or annual tradition for you and your friends.
It’s really incredible what happens to a group of people come together and talk about their personal dreams. It becomes apparent that everyone pretty much experiences the same struggles, the same internal dialog that keeps them from living large, and the same desires of happiness and purpose. It’s not long before everyone is invested in the success of each individual in the group. And the group as a whole strengthens as a result.
Let’s reach beyond what we think we’re capable of in 2015! Call or email me with questions.
dawn@dawngreaney.com
