October 4, 2005

Hello God.

Hello Edward.

I’d like to do some coaching around my work in the product factory.

Sounds good. How can I help?

Well as you know, coming up with ideas for projects is not a problem for me. What can be problematic, however, is sticking with a product through to completion, and, even more importantly, staying focused on the evolution of the products that I do complete.

Yes. I have seen that trend in you.

Well, I find myself in the position of feeling like it would be appropriate for me to shift gears, away from a couple of the projects I’ve been working on in light of information that has come up in the Product Factory.

Tell me more.

Hello God.

Hello Edward.

I’d like to do some coaching around my work in the product factory.

Sounds good. How can I help?

Well as you know, coming up with ideas for projects is not a problem for me. What can be problematic, however, is sticking with a product through to completion, and, even more importantly, staying focused on the evolution of the products that I do complete.

Yes. I have seen that trend in you.

Well, I find myself in the position of feeling like it would be appropriate for me to shift gears, away from a couple of the projects I’ve been working on in light of information that has come up in the Product Factory.

Tell me more.

Well what’s come up in the product factory, and elsewhere, is the need to create a sustainable mailing list. I have not done that. And I don’t think that the products I’ve been working on – personal evolution toolbox, and the (still in concept stage) life black belt – can do that for me. Those projects feel like they will be more appropriate and profitable when I have created a larger mailing list. So I’m thinking of creating a new project that will serve that purpose, and generate more opt-ins for my mailing list.

Great. But before we get into the details of the new project, let me ask you this: Do you really believe that the lack of sign-ups for your mailing list is due to the projects you have chosen?

Yes and no.

Explain.

Well, ultimately the rate at which people sign up for my mailing list is directly related to my willingness to receive them into my list. So I do recognize that I have some type of inner resistance to generating a larger list. However, I also think that because of my resistance, I’ve been creating products that tend to perpetuate this experience. Now, the question becomes, if I shift my level of receptivity, will I begin receiving more opt-ins from my existing products? Absolutely. However, if I shift my receptivity AND create one or more new products from that place, I believe I will see a dramatic increase in my opt-ins.

I believe you are correct.

So do you think it makes sense to shift gears and begin working on the new project?

I think it makes sense to continue to work on shifting your receptivity, and to explore the possibilities inherent in your new project.

Great. Can we start with the project?

It’s your coaching session. We can start wherever you want.

Ok. So my new idea is to create a website called Underachievers Anonymous. The site would include a blog in which I would record my transformation from Underachiever – yes I put myself in that category, and want to talk with you about that as well – to high achiever. In the process my hope is that my transformation will encourage other high-functioning underachievers will be encouraged to make the same shift.

Before you go any farther, tell me why you include yourself in the underachiever category.

Because in spite of all that I’ve accomplished, in spite of my intelligence, creativity, ability to help people, and all the other gifts that I bring to this work and this world, I continue to exist in the “just getting by” zone.

You do realize that, if you choose this name, a big part of your job will be educating your visitors about what you mean by underachiever. You’ve already seen from the responses to your survey that a fair number of people will be turned off by the name.

Yes. That’s true. And I do consider the education component to be a big piece of the process, certainly in the beginning.

I’m going to ask you a question, and this is NOT a leading question.

I find that hard to believe. You can actually ask non-leading questions?

When needed.

And why is it needed now?

Because I want you to make this decision based on what feels right fro you.

Ok. Ask away?

Is it possible that you chose this particular project, or at least the name, in the same way that you have chosen previous projects?

Are you asking me if I am attracted to this project because it will continue to provide me with cover, with a way to stay small?

That is indeed what I’m asking.

I can’t answer that. I feel excited about it. I feel like, given the right approach, I could take it to a big level. And, at the same time, I hear your question. It’s a good question, and it’s got me stumped.

Sit with it.

Ok. Well let me just talk for a moment and see what comes up.

Go for it.

I think that it’s clear that if I picked one thing, whatever it is, and stick with it, that I would eventually break through to a place of success. So one question  is why don’t I just stick with one thing?

Good question. Why don’t you stick with one thing?

I get bored. And I get so many new ideas that are interesting and exciting that it’s difficult to let them go.

You’ve seen for yourself, the power of focus and consistency, of putting out a single, clear message.

Yes. I sure have.

What prevents you from putting out a single, clear message?

I suppose I don’t know what that message would be.

Well that would present a problem.

It does.

And what will you do about it?

I suppose I need to work on getting clear about what my single, clear message is.

That could be helpful. So why do I cringe when I consider doing it?

I don’t know. Why do you cringe?

I suppose it feels confining, or limiting.

What if the message was big enough to leave lots of room for growth and exploration and evolution?

That would feel better.

Why not begin with a look at what you’ve already created and determine what the message(s) are in those products. Then perhaps you can find the message that will be able to hold all of your projects.

That sounds good. I’ll do that before our next session.

Good. Is there anything else?

Yeah. But I don’t have time. I will say that I feel like we’ve left more questions unanswered than answered. I feel pretty incomplete.

Well come back sooner rather than later. We haven’t connected in this way in a while.

That’s true. I will. I have a feeling I’m going to need more of your input as I move through the product factory.

Great. I look forward to supporting you during the process.

Thank you.

You’re very welcome. 

Comments

[project management coaches]

I’ve found a nice spot to read more on project management coaching

[Aroundrepresentation]

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