I Didn’t See Myself Being a Good Teacher/Coach
I’m what some people might call a Type A, perfectionist, or over-achiever. I have high standards for myself. Growing up and while in school, unlike many other Asian parents, mine didn’t pressure me to receive certain grades or go into a certain profession. I was always the one that was self-driven and put lots of pressure on myself.
Knowing that about myself, I didn’t pursue a career in teaching, despite having contemplated becoming a teacher during my freshmen year in college. Yet, somehow, being in academia attracted me (and the over-achiever in me) and I went on pursuing a doctoral degree. While finishing up my advanced degree, I was a teacher’s assistant for two semesters. I did not enjoy that experience. I lacked the patience. Being a mother has been a trying experience for me every day. I’m very thankful to have an extremely patient partner along my side.
Several months ago, when my husband suggested to me to consider doing financial coaching with him, specifically to work with couples, I immediately closed the conversation. It was not that I lacked interest. Everything I do and share on this blog stems from my strong desire to inspire, encourage and promote smart and savvy financial skills. I just didn’t see myself being a good coach. I lacked the confidence.
Self-doubts were casting all over my head. To give you an example:
“I never have debts; what would I have to offer to clients who want to get out of debt?” I feared that I might be too hard on (or impatient with) our potential clients. Writing and sharing is a different format than providing one-on-one, in-person guidance. On this blog I always share what I know, complemented with my own experiences. When working with clients, any financial topic of interest can pop up.
“I’m very good with what I know, but there’s so much I don’t know…”
Life-Changing Moments
Then, one day as I was listening to an episode (forgot the name) on Marie TV while working out on the stairs master, I got the inspiration and courage to give my husband’s suggestion a try. The topic of the episode was on making progress (or at least that was what I gathered).
Maybe it was the adrenaline from exercise. Maybe I was ready then. Whatever it was, I felt determined to give financial coaching a try. And that was four months ago.
As a team, we currently have three paid clients, who are all young families. My husband has been the first point of contact thus far. When he does his complementary consultation, he always offers the potential client if he/she would be interested in having me to join the future sessions (that is, if the client has a family).
The financial coaching sessions have been very enriching for me. Aside from becoming more aware of other families’ financial situations, I’ve been doing a lot of self-discoveries.
I quickly learned that I have a lot to offer, just by being me and sharing my knowledge and experiences. Even though much of what I know I learned from my husband, I’ve picked up additional knowledge along the way. More importantly, I bring with me my own demographics, such as I’m a woman and a mother. I always bring to the sessions my own perspective on things.
There actually hasn’t been much overlap with what my husband and I bring to each session. The feedback we’ve been getting from our clients so far has been that each of our knowledge, experiences and unique perspectives really contribute to the productivity of each session. Those words from our clients have been strong encouragements and inspirations.
At this point, I have the feeling that one day soon I might gather up the confidence to provide some one-on-one coaching. Maybe carry a few sessions a month?
A Free Gift to You from My Husband and I
To end this post, I’d like to share a free gift with you. In the spirit of the holiday season, early this month my husband posted on his personal Facebook and Linkedin accounts offering free financial coaching to anyone who is interested. This offer is valid until December 31st, 2017. I know at least six of his contacts have reached out to him. We’re extending this gift to you, too. If you’re interested, you can reach him directly at FinanciallyPossible at Gmail dotcom or get in contact with me via the blog, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. If you’re interested in working with me, we can chat, too. Thanks for reading!
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