Every month in Real Simple magazine there is an article written by Gail Blanke, a Life Coach by profession.  When I first started reading her column I thought the idea of a “life coach” was silly.  Questions like “Do you really want someone telling you what to do with your life?”  “How is that any different from a Therapist?”  And, “Do people actually PAY her to do this ‘life coaching’?”  So maybe I was a little critical.  Usually when I am the most critical of something, it’s also when I am the most wrong.  So I began reading her articles.  I mean, I had to see what exactly this ‘life coach’ had to say! 

Lo and behold, after the next couple of months, I was sold!  I have since become one of her biggest fans.  The advice that Gail gives is so solid and so inspiring, that I was ready to pay her for some coaching of my own life! 

Actually, some of the guidance that I use in writing this blog has come from one of her articles.  The article, How to Make Yourself Unforgettable, discusses the life philosophies that her father instilled in her and how his infectious personality became her own.  Here are her guidelines for making yourself “unforgettable”:

1. Make it fun: Walk into any room or meeting or onto any stage with energy and optimism. Anticipate a positive response.

2. Remember — it’s not about you. Shift your attention from yourself to your audience. Don’t ask yourself, Do they like me? How do I look? but rather, What do they need? What can I give them?

3. Love your audience — however big or small — and they’ll love you right back. Let them know you’ll do absolutely anything to get your message across, to give them exactly what they need.

4. Show them your passion. Charisma is passion demonstrated. Don’t hold back. People need to feel your conviction, then they’ll believe in you.

This is just an example of some of her wonderful advice. Here is a link to all of her articles that have been published in Real Simple: Gail Blanke