Idealist Coach: Strategic Life Coaching & Consulting

Saying Yes to Things We Don’t Really Want: Are We Doing Anyone a Favor?

Dave W. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:56:39 +0000

One of the most common things I hear from clients is that they have too much on their plate, or rather things they don’t even want to have on their plate. This stands in the way of having time and energy to do what they really want. This quite literally happened to me recently, and [...]

An Assault Inspires Thoughts on Complacency and Coaching

Dave W. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:11:48 +0000

Between 9:30 and 10 AM yesterday morning I bicycled to our post office, in the center of what is known to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. As I got off my bike and crossed the sidewalk several feet ahead of eight to ten teenage boys, I felt a small green [...]

In a Hurry…To Go Where?

Dave W. — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:43:21 +0000

On a recent errand-running trip through our neighborhood, I bumped into no fewer than five people I knew, in the span of stopping at four destinations. That’s one of the wonderful things about living in a walkable/bikeable community…except when you’re in a hurry, of course. I didn’t really spend much time speaking to the first [...]

Self-Empowerment Tips for Political Leaders, Activists and Candidates During Turbulent Times

Dave W. — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:35:28 +0000

Are you a political activist, volunteer, candidate, or concerned citizen who simply hopes that your vote will help to create positive change? Are you seeking to balance personal quality of life and impact during turbulent political times? As the 2008 U.S. elections approach, the tension builds. Not much time is left, and various media messages shower [...]

Randy Pausch’s Passing, and Why He Made Me Envious

Dave W. — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:11:45 +0000

When I learned yesterday that Randy Pausch died, I found my thoughts and emotions going through a strange mix of sadness and empathy, as well as anger and envy. I realized that in failing to acknowledge how I truly felt about Randy and his death - going deeper than the “safe” material usually included in [...]

Overcoming “Lost Relationship Fears” During Life and Career Transitions

Dave W. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:12:59 +0000

As we muster up the courage to pursue new visions in life (e.g., a new job or career, additional schooling, a city we’ve always wanted to live in), we often find ourselves faced with many changes. This may include transitioning to a new physical environment, to new friends and co-workers, and to new behaviors. If [...]

Jogging Through the Cemetery on Father’s Day

Dave W. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:21:41 +0000

I began Father’s Day by jogging through a nearby cemetery. I’ve run through it many times before, but it seems a little different on holidays because there are usually more visitors. Amidst the empathy I feel for individuals who can no longer experience the company of their father, I feel grateful that mine is still [...]

Mind mapping: Software tools for organizing your ideas and your life

Dave W. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:09:20 +0000

If you’re a creative idealist as I am, you may often find yourself generating a range of new ideas as you move forward on existing projects. As you continue to progress, learn, and bring your creations into being, many more possibilities open up before you. Each new idea may generate 10 more thoughts. If we [...]

Career Transitioning: From Corporate Cubicle Job to Idealist Endeavor

Dave W. — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:18:35 +0000

I recall being one of only a few students in my graduate career counseling course who was genuinely excited about career counseling theory. Perhaps it was because career counseling is more similar to coaching (a direction I was already headed in) than many forms of traditional counseling/therapy.* Perhaps it was because I myself had struggled [...]

Earth Day: Thinking About Connectedness

Dave W. — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:20:15 +0000

As I think about Earth Day, I consider how interconnected and interdependent we all are. We’re not just talking about people and trees, but everything: other humans, other animals, plants, air, water, soil, sun, etc. In the hustle and bustle of everyday living, it’s easy to forget about all of this. This is particularly the [...]