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Two if By Sea

A nearly full moon lit the water behind the boat as we cruised along Long Lake in Harrison, Maine. Near the horizon, the moon was so bright that it choked out the stars. The air was cool - but it wasn't particularly cold. It was a great night to be on the water.

Of course, I had no idea where I was and no idea how to get back to the house where we were staying. (Other than that, no problem.) To make matters worse, for all its brightness, the moon did little to penetrate the darkness in front of the boat. (You know - the part of the boat you care about the most.)

Fortunately for my eleven shipmates that night, I wasn't at the helm. No, the actual driver knew all the waterways on the large lake. He'd made the journey dozens of times. He steered the ship based on a series of well-lit markers along the shore. He'd point the boat at one landmark for awhile, he'd time the approach of an upcoming channel buoy, and then he'd make a slight adjustment. Occasionally, he'd look up as if he were navigating by the few stars that could be seen, but I think that part was mostly for show.

It was an incredibly relaxing experience. As we gently steamed through the small wakes, I started to think about how different the experience would be if I suddenly found myself on my own in the boat. If I were alone in a moving boat, what would I do? I'm pretty sure I could manage to figure out the boat's simple controls. Throttle-handle-thingy. Gear-selector-doodad. Random buttons to mash with my fist. It's all good.

Who am I kidding? I would totally freak out. I find that going it alone in new or challenging situations is really no way to go at all.

Too many people go it alone when it comes to their most important personal or professional goals. What's really unfortunate is that these are often folks who do a great job - I mean a 100% top notch, out of the park, stupendous job - at daring to dream, writing down well-crafted goals, and creating a winning plan. Yet all of these fantastic efforts can be for naught if they fail to reach out to an experienced guide and ask for assistance along the way.

Can you think of someone who might be able to provide you with that critical advice, support, guidance, reference, resource, or some other key item in your own goal pursuits? Even if you're not accustomed to going out and asking those around you for help, doing so can often make the difference between success and failure. This is your health, satisfaction, and happiness we're talking about, so don't be a shrinking violet - ask for help from those people who've been there/done that.

Now, I understand that some of you may still be reluctant. If you want some tips before reaching out, I just happen to have some handy:

1. Get your act together. Before you go and ask someone for help, be sure you've done your homework. Think about a career search. If you're going to ask someone for an informational interview, be sure you've researched his or her company and role before you make the call. Luck favors the prepared.
2. Start small. Don't try for too much too soon. Rather than ask another businessowner if they'll bankroll your new start-up, ask her if she'd simply tell you how she made it happen. You can get some great tips this way, and don't be surprised if subsequent conversations lead to bigger and better things.
3. Watch the clock. Successful people are busy people, so be mindful of the value of their time. My favorite request is for ten minutes of someone's time. Thanks to my preparation, I can accomplish a lot in ten minutes. Plus, this sounds like a small amount of time to give - who doesn't have ten minutes?
4. Return the favor. After you've achieved your target goal, don't forget about the little people along the way. Be sure to help others when they ask you for assistance in achieving something truly important in their own lives. Success comes with a certain responsibility to help those who would join your rank.

Don't be surprised if once you've defined your goal, you find that it takes two to tango. Experts, confidants, mentors, coaches - whatever you call them - these people are out there. 99% of them are more than willing to help you if you follow the tips above and take the important first step - ask them!

After I got off the boat, I thanked my guide kindly and I walked ashore. I'm glad that I didn't find myself on my own that night, or else I may never have made it to my final destination. With a little help, I had a nice evening and I learned a thing or two about success along the way.

Coaching Quickie: Two if By Sea

Check back next week for results!

Last Week's Results

Coaching Quickie: Things That Go Bump in the Night
How well do you feel you've adapted to your life situation and environment?

(00%) Stupendously - I've made the changes I needed to succeed.
(50%) Pretty well - With a few bumps along the way, I'm still flying high.
(50%) So-so - I've made some positive changes, but I've developed a few bad habits as well.
(00%) Poorly - Changes for the worse seem to be the only changes I can see.