notes below

The speakers

Introduction
Laura related to us how, shortly after 9/11, she noticed a large increase in a search for meaning. Given the large number of new clients she decided to limit each client to 90 days

As a result she developed a new system, which she calls "90 Days to a New Life Direction". The system is described in her new book of the same title. And she is training coaches to deliver the system, including at an upcoming training in the UK (followed by 8 teleclasses)

This Masterclass was an introduction to Laura's new system, and gave everyone plenty to work with

Briefly, the system aims to give coaching clients clarity on their new direction, and teaches them how to make it happen. Blocks to clarity are discussed, and ways to get around the blocks

Laura talked about a Life Blueprint(tm) and how coaching is working with clients to get in back in touch with who they really are, the gift they are to themselves and the gift they are to the planet

Blocks to clarity
Laura identified three main blocks to clarity, and how to overcome them

1. Not knowing what you want. To overcome this block, look for the clues in what you don't want
2. Your identity or self-concept. Start by looking at your identity, where it came from, and the cost
3. Holding on. To overcome this block, understand that everything includes a loss. For instance, gaining a wonderful relationship may mean the loss of some freedom

Life story
The first piece critical in finding your true essence is your life story, typically consisting of bulletpoints, chronology and what interested you. In the life story particularly look for

• The golden thread, the main pattern
• The driving motivator, that has driven all your decisions. Laura gave an example of someone who made all her decisions based on the drive not to be like her mother
• The interrupted dream, typically something that you were really good at or really attracted to doing and then stopped doing, for whatever reason
  

Your purpose
Discover your purpose by looking at

• What your life has been about so far
• What everyone always says you should be doing. Whilst not accepting their advice literally, it may be a pointer where to look
• Your own dreams

Your purpose is always something that you are already doing, and it always impacts other people, otherwise it is not a purpose

Synchronicity and intuition
Laura encourages coaches and their clients to trust in their intuition. And she feels that synchronicity and intuition become stronger and more effective once you know your Life Blueprint(tm)

Be ready to receive, and listen to, feelings in your body and pictures in your mind

One part of the explanation for synchronicity and intuition may be that once we are clear about our destination it becomes easier to recognise the path

As a coach the greatest gift you have for your clients seeking their path is to be in touch with your own path

As a way of priming your intuition and synchronicity Laura suggested playing with different scenarios. That is, write five different stories (fiction) on how you achieved your purpose. And as Laura put it "be mired in reality and in possibilities"

In reply to a question about the difference between intuition and gut reaction, Laura told us that intuition does not feel charged, and is typically softer

Additional comments
This is not about what you are good at, or the next logical step based on your CV (work experience)

Especially when looking into a client's life story something may come up which is better addressed using therapy. As a coach, be aware of this and be ready to refer your client on

This process works for people of all ages, including teenagers

Money tends to come up as a major issue when discussing life directions. Laura did not go into any detail on this, although it does get covered in her book

Future Masterclasses