All Posts By

David Smith

Aug 08
0

Dream Big: A Motivational Moment

By | Atlanta Life Coach Online, Goal Setting, Life Coach Atlanta Resources, Life Coaching Tools

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-jwWYX7Jlo

Today, take a few moments to think about your life. In this fast paced world, where everything is available to us in an instant, it is getting harder and harder for us to sit with ourselves. Sit and let thoughts come through us and to us from a place of harmony and peace. If, we do contemplate sitting with ourselves we often times recognize how fast our minds are racing. We are always thinking about what needs to be done and what didn’t get done.

I would like to offer you this moment to listen to a powerful video on dreams and not giving up. If, you are the young student trying to figure it all out or the seasoned adult wondering where did all the time go. This video will motivate you to think big and dream big. It is never too late to start again and start a new. Never, give up on what you know in your soul that you must do. The world is waiting on you.

The world needs your gifts and talents. I know you might be in the middle of a divorce or a health scare or you are that artist trying to showcase your work, even so, we need you. You are waiting on you. The world needs you but you need you the most. Get up, shake yourself and let your wildest dreams come forward. Go for it!!!

We need your voice, gifts, talents and your dreams. You can manifest your hearts desire on today and let this video be the starting point to moving yourself forward. Process who you are and what you know to be true about you and move your feet and live your life. Live your life!!!

I want to mention, you will need some tissue because the video will awaken your true nature and you will shed a tear because your Truth is rising to the top.

Enjoy and Dream!!!

Jun 15
0

Happy Father’s Day Special Message

By | Relationships

Hello Friends!!!

It is time to celebrate Father’s Day. The hallmaark cards are being chosen and gifts are being picked out to be sent on this special and food menu’s are being shopped. The holiday is to remind us how special father’s are to us. Fathers whether they were in the home or not , should be celebrated and thought of during this season.

Like many of you, I too have my memories of my “father.” It was perhaps 3 years ago when my sister called to inform me that “our” father would like to speak to me. It was a strange feeling but I took the call without hesitation.

He spoke with a soft voice and called my name with tenderness. It was the first time in my life, that I heard my father’s voice. We had not been in contact my entire life up to this point. Over the years, I have struggled with what that relationship could have been for us. I was hoping for games in the park or him showing me guy stuff to do but I did not have that experience with him. He decided for whatever reason to bail on his family. Father’s Day has always been complicated and complex.

The phone called lasted less than 10minutes. He asked me for forgiveness. I forgave him . Perhaps, as much as I needed him to bless me and assure me, he needed me to release him of his guilt and shame. We both needed each other that day.

I forgave him for not wanting to be a father and choosing a life he thought he needed at the time. I forgave him for not having the skills to parent with my mother. I forgave him!!! I hung the phone up and wept. I forgave him.David

We all have daddy issues. This holiday, take the time to rediscover your father in new ways. Yes, he could have and perhaps he should’ve but the truth of the matter is, he didn’t, forgive him. Free yourself this holiday and let your father be exactly who he is. Father’s Day is always comlicated and complex.

I Speak Life Coaching celebrate the men who has shown all of us love. I personally celebrate Oligh William Conard my grandfather who stepped in and up, when my father stepped out. I thank the men in the barbershop, who allowed me to hang around them and they gave me a quarter or a dollar to run an errand. I thank male teachers who put their arms around me and comforted me when I was bullied and teased. Father’s come in many disguises.

I’m eternally grateful to the men, who took the time to love us all.

Happy Father’s Day

David Shawn Smith/ I Speak Life Coaching

Jun 15
0

It Is All About You

By | Executive Coaching

Organizations are utilizing various methods to help develop their leaders over long period of times by implementing one-on one mentoring, peer coaching, team and executive coaching. Using coaching for development is essential to reach high potentials and in the area of retention. The more the company understands why they are using the coach then the client and the company benefits. Executive Coaching should not be used for disciplinary problems with managers, it is not designed to be a reactionary process or a fixer of bad behavior.

According to the American Management Association organizations use coaches for the following purposes:

1. To improve individual performance/productivity
2. To address leadership development/succession planning
3. To increase individual worker skill levels
4. To improve organizational performance
5. To address specific workplace problems
6. To boost employees engagement
7. To improve retention rates
8. To improve performance of employees whose supervisor is being coached
9. To improve recruitment outcomes

The more defined the reason coaches are being utilized the better results the company will be able to experience.

The coach has to come into this experience with certain skill sets. All coaches are different but they all should posses certain competencies in order to be effect to your organization. Executive Coaching skills should include the following:

1. Building Trust
2. Collaborating
3. Learning
4. Helping
5. Empathy

The above is only met if the coach is doing several things:

1. Effective Questioning: The coach should be curious about the needs of the client and what road blocks they may be experiencing.
2. Active Listening: The coach should not be out talking you, the ego of the coach must decrease in order for the clients needs to increase.
3. Giving Feedback: The coach must give you feedback based upon what you have said and around the goals and measures of the expectations.
4. Motivating: The coach is there to help you and the situation transform through various types of motivation and encouragement.
5. Reflecting: The coach should be able to assist the client by asking them to reflect. Reflecting allows the coach to see what the client gleaned from the session and also give some pointers if areas were missed. This is very important in the session.

Executive coaching is really about you. You are the most important aspect of the coach/client relationship. Your needs, aspirations, goals and concerns are upmost important in Executive Coaching.

I Speak Life Coaching is thrilled to offer these helpful tips to individuals and corporations who are in the market of hiring an executive coach.

Jun 09
0

A Bright Future For Executive Coaching – Who Uses Them

By | Executive Coaching, Life Coach Atlanta News

In today’s society coaches are being used in the area of communications, relationships, finances and health. Increasingly, individuals and corporations are utilizing coaches to help address growth and long-term success for middle managers and executives.

Amid the growth and optimism, the coaching industry is still looked upon with enthusiasm and skepticism. The coaching industry has burst on the scene in recent years with very little regulation and oversight. However, as the industry grows we see that credentials, certifications and experience is being vetted more readily.

Executive coaching according to the American Management Association and the Institute for Corporate Productivity defined Coaching as “a short-to medium term relationship between a manager or senior level and a consultant (internal or external) with the purpose of improving work performance.”

Here at I Speak Life Coaching we wanted to bring credibility to the industry and also answer any lingering questions concerning the field of coaching. Here is what we have discovered through research:

*Coaching is used in abut 50 % of North American companies and 55% for
International companies.
*Coaching will be expanded in about 37% of companies currently not using executive
coaches in the near future.
*Coaching is associated with higher performance.
1. They’re more likely to report that their organizations have higher levels of
success in the area of coaching
2. They’re more likely to say that their organizations are performing well in
the market, as determined by self-reports in the combined areas of revenue.
*Coaching is primarily aimed at boosting individual performance.

“Organizations also employ coaches to help with leader transitions(such as promotions, lateral moves, or international assignments), to retain high potentials
to improve performance that is off track, and to help individuals assess where their career is now and where it may go next.”

If, you or your organization are considering hiring an Executive Coach then consider the above stated facts and include Executive Coaching as part of your long term strategy for growth and retention. Remember, the future looks bright for Executive Coaching.

* American Management Association. Coaching: A Global Study of Successful Practices Current Trends and Future Possibilities 2008-2018*

Jun 02
0
I Speak Life Coaching

Life Can Be Lonely At The Top

By | Executive Coaching, Executive Life Coaching, Free Life Coaching, Goal Setting

The CEO/Executive is built to make companies run and be profitable. They are responsible for carving out and creating a viable future for the entity or enterprise. Responsibilities include people, projects and future projections.

Over the years they have cultivated relationships and built solid reputations of being a leader. The executive is not like most people who chase what they know, no; they chase what they do not know. The tools they use empowers others to be their best, and helps them see the bigger vision of the company. Executives wear many hats on this journey.

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However, like so many executives you too have blind spots and also seek out support, guidance and a sounding board to run ideas by. In fact, this is exactly what executive coaching is, it is having a conversation with a trusted friend, confidant and Coach. Executive coaching is as “iron sharpens iron” with the client.

You will be strengthened in:

  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Solving Problems
  • Defining Goals
  • Unleashing Hidden Potential
  • Personal Opportunities
  • Improve Performance
  • Retain high potential
  • Promotions
  • Lateral Moves
  • International assignments

 

These are just a few of the areas in which executive coaching can enrich the executive/business owner.

We can help executives and business owners move to the next “Big Thing” with ease and with confidence. We ask very specific questions to help you get to a clear solution to any of your challenges for instance:

  1. What have you done today?
  2. Do you feel proud or disappointed?
  3. What if you found that you could move more aggressively from planning to action?
  4. What are you afraid of?
  5. What is the difference between leadership and management?

Executive Coaching will impact your bottom line. In other words, you will be able to measure your return on investment (ROI) over time. The results and benefits will vary but are measurable.

It is lonely sometimes at the top but with a coach on your team you will no longer have to experience success in a bubble.

May 23
0

Memorial Day: Memories How They Linger

By | Life Coach Atlanta News, Relationships

Happy Memorial Day!!!

This holiday is about reflecting, remembering, taking a pause, and contemplating. As young children we looked forward to the games, food and playing outdoors with family and neighbors. Most of us got new clothes or took short trips for this special holiday. The real story here is we have enjoyed the excesses of what this holiday brings.

It is the official beginning of wearing white.

My grandmother loved her white. She could be seen on the weekends with white shorts or capri pants on and Sunday mornings with a wide brim white hate to match her crisp white suit. Oh, the memories of that woman in her Sunday frocks. She had a walk to put Naomi Campbell to shame and she would take a room by storm. Memorial day brings up so many old memories for me.

As we fire up the grill, or ready the pool for summer or as we sit and look at old pictures of those who have transitioned, it is okay to just “BE” in the day.

This holiday please don’t forget to be good to yourself. Take the time to laugh, be still, go for a long walk, watch kids play in the park. Take the time to really soak up what it means to be on holiday in this country.

It is my hope that we celebrate the old memories but also create new ones on this day. Start your own traditions.

To all of you , Have Happy Memories!

Peace and Love

David

May 21
0

Can A Life Coach Iyanla, Fix Your Life?

By | Life Coach Atlanta News

Each Saturday many people around the globe tune into “Iyanla, Fix My Life on OWN the Oprah Winfrey Network. We have a front row seat as she indulges our curiosity around life issues. The people she encounters are just like us they are dealing with love, loss, secrets and fears.

The show is helping them come face to face with what is holding them back from living the life they dream of. Iyanla is there to help and coach them into success. Here is an example of her “fixing” the rappers DMX life.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWEHBCLkrx4

Is this what coaching really is or is it a form of coaching with entertainment?

If, there is anyone who has read her books and spoke with her personally it is me. I have tuned into here career before the cameras started to roll.

However, as I peruse periodically her style and what she represents, I’m a little bit disturbed and concerned. Let me first say the intention of the show is to help people and give them the resources they need to grow and develop. I believe it accomplishes this goal on some level.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7AiwwNnZLQ

As a life coach here in Atlanta, I like to leave my clients emotionally whole and optimistic. Iyanla, comes on the scene  as an expert in all things but one of the guidelines for coaching is you are there to give guidance, direction and insight.

It is the goal of the coach to listen, be empathetic and wait on direction from the client. Our goal is not to bully you, talk down to you or intimidate you into confession. Coaching is not about confession but rather revealing and sharing.

Iyanla is not the standard for coaching. We are not gaveling or screaming at you nor do we  get in your face and God knows we do not crawl around on our knees forcing you to tear  up or weep. No, we are here to be a support and a teacher to all we are entrusted to work with.

I will encourage to take a look at my video it explains what a life coach is and what is the purpose of a life coach.

 

Apr 12
0

How To Create The Ultimate Relationship

By | Life Coach Atlanta News, Online Life Coach Case Studies, Relationships

Tony Robbins is using  powerful tools to help us in our relationships. Relationships are complicated because sometimes we enter them with out a clarity about intimacy, emotional needs and spiritual needs.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6iNyjPDt7k

We can have all of our needs met on a high level when we bring into them basic tools to enhance our lives. Many times we enter into these unions wanting someone to fulfill us and make us whole.

Tony Robbins helps us to define why we are in the relationship to begin with. He uses basic examples to make this point very clear. Listed below are some of the traits of having a healthy loving relationships.

1. Love

2. Compassion

3. Respect

4. Trust

5. Passion

6. Enjoyment

 

Jan 18
0

No More Spanks or Squeezing In That Gut!! This is Your Year

By | Goal Setting, Life Coaching Tools

Goal Setting and Success

Happy New Year, we are excited about what the future holds for you. you ready to move forward with the dreams and hopes you have set forth in the New Year? We here at I Speak Life Coaching would like to give you some simple tools to help you reach all of your goals.

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Have you made any declarations for the New Year? Are you ready to thrive? Are you still fussing over those last 10 pounds? Are you still thinking about returning to school? Do you dream but cant seem to execute? Let me say, you are not alone.

In order for you to set the goals and make the declarations, you need a change of mind. This is the year of change, excited, love and expectation. In order for you to catch the wave and move in the right direction, you must change your mind.

You control what goes into your brain and what comes of of your brain. Put in good information and you get good results and the same is true for bad information. The work here is not just on the treadmill or on the business plan but it must involve a reprogramming of your mind.

The fight for greatness starts in the mind and then moves in the greater parts of our lives. You must take charge of what you are thinking and what you believe.
James Allen said ” as a man thinketh so is he”, that statement holds true today. When we begin to align our minds with our thoughts and actions, then we can accomplish all we desire and hope.

Your goals are attainable and you can past by those but in order for you to be apart of this new wave, then you must change your mind and also change your heart.

Jan 18
0

How To Get Money, Love and Personal Power?

By | Athlete Life Coaching

We are on a journey toward greatness. In this New Year, we hear all about resolutions and revolutions and commercials around weight loss .

All of us love those messages but one major component to changing or recharging your life is your Mind. The mind controls all outcomes. If you think small then your life will be small. Think big and receive big results.

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The lesson today is the power of the mind. We have to begin on a mindful level in order for us to eradicate negative and toxic behavior. The work is not about losing the weight or finding the great love but it is in how you think about your life.

Our minds are full of bad information for instance we say sometimes perhaps we are not good enough or we are fat, ugly, too skinny. The mind has to be rid of all those toxic conversations in order for us to attract what we want and desire out of life.

Today, let the real change happen in your mind. Be mindful of what you say to yourself and to others. Begin, with knowing that if you can dream it you can have but you must be willing to also do the work to achieve these goals.

Before, you start a new diet or being that new idea or career, do a mind check. Change your mind and you can change your life.

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