Category Archives: Life Coaching

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60 Life Lessons in 60 Years: A Guide to Winning in Business and Thriving in Life

Winding asphalt road through low country countryside at sunrise, symbolizing the journey of life and business with 60 years of wisdom lighting the way

As someone who recently celebrated their 60th birthday, with over 40 years of business experience, 30 years as a life mentor, and a decade as an ICF certified and accredited business and life coach, I’ve learned that success in business and fulfillment in life are deeply intertwined.

Today, I’m sharing 60 invaluable lessons I’ve gathered over the years to help you win in business and thrive in life. These insights cover everything from faith and family to finances and fun, providing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

60 Life Lessons for Business Success and Personal Fulfillment

Faith and Spirituality in Business and Life

  1. The best decisions I’ve made in life and business have occurred after spending time on my knees in prayer.
  2. Trusting God is a lot easier when you are out of options. Spiritual maturity is learning to trust God in all things.
  3. Starting the morning in prayer with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving sets the stage for a great day.

Building Strong Relationships

  1. You were not created to do life on your own; building and nurturing relationships is a wise investment that pays huge dividends.
  2. Never stop dating your spouse and doing the things that won their heart.
  3. Presents are nice, but time with family and friends are the best gifts.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  1. It’s ok to not yet know what your purpose in life is. It’s never ok to not be pursuing what it is.
  2. We never drift toward positive or healthy things in life.
  3. Your twenties is a time for exploration and discovery. Don’t be in a hurry to know what you’re supposed to do in life.

Leadership and Professional Development

  1. The best mentors are those who have been mentored themselves.
  2. Being five minutes early communicates you respect someone else’s time more than your own.
  3. Ego and pride provide confidence and bravado in some circumstances but they can also be barriers that prevent people from getting to know you who you truly are.

Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness

  1. A handwritten thank you note communicates far more than just your appreciation.
  2. Kindness is contagious, be known for spreading it wherever you go.
  3. A random text or call to just let someone know you’re thinking about them and have prayed for them makes them feel special and reveals you are a good friend.

Embracing Life’s Simple Pleasures

  1. Don’t be so busy that you miss God’s handiwork on display… sunrises and sunsets occur daily, not just things to take in while on vacation.
  2. A casual dinner with friends at someone’s home is far better evening out at some busy restaurant.
  3. Impromptu slow dances in the kitchen and kisses say I love you in a language of its own.

Nurturing Relationships

  1. Never let a week go by without checking in with your spouse. A great question to ask is: “Have I done or said something which left you feeling unappreciated or didn’t convey to you how much I love you?”
  2. We were not meant to do life on our own… Hebrews 10:24-25 declares this, and I profess it’s true. Find your community… and then help each other thrive.
  3. There will be a time when you just don’t have the words to share with a friend who is experiencing heartache. But in the silence your presence will speak volumes about how much you care.

Personal Development and Self-Care

  1. It’s really true, on those days when you don’t feel like exercising, if you give it five minutes, 90% of the time you will accomplish your objective for the day.
  2. Not liking what you see in the mirror just means there is some work to do. Embrace it, create a plan to change what you see, and be willing to set aside your pride if you need some assistance.
  3. When you’re trying to determine if something should be part of your life ask, “is this ‘thing‘ hindering me or helping me become the person I want to be?” Once you have the answer… act accordingly.

Financial Wisdom and Material Possessions

  1. Many of the material things you think ‘you have to have’ will one day end up being sold at a garage sale or donated to a charity.
  2. Pursuing shortcuts and attempting to fast-track results rarely work in your favor. Put forth the effort, trust the process, and embrace the journey.

Time Management and Prioritization

  1. God’s Word teaches us to number our days. Focus on the people and things that matter most in your life and don’t dwell on naysayers or sweat the small stuff.
  2. Always have something on your calendar that you are looking forward to. And it doesn’t have to be a vacation, it can be time with a good friend.
  3. Make it a priority to spend your time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy, and figuring out how to do very little of what you don’t like.

Pursuing Passions and Purpose

  1. The best hobbies are ones that can be shared with others. This can be giving away what you create or doing things with people you enjoy spending time with.
  2. Cody Johnson’s lyric is spot on… if you have a dream chase it, because a dream won’t chase you back. 
  3. There will come a time when making a difference in life matters more than achieving success… the sooner this occurs the happier you will be.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

  1. Setbacks are inevitable, so when one occurs apply the five ‘R’s’ – Rest, Regroup, Recalibrate, Refocus, and then Relaunch.
  2. Losing or failing at something you try is inevitable… no one succeeds 100% of the time. But failure occurs when you don’t try or don’t apply the lessons learned.
  3. Don’t say, “One day you’ll do something’ for too long, because there will come a day when you won’t physically be able to do it.”

Fostering Trust and Integrity

  1. People will come to know who you truly are not by what you say, but by what they see you do.
  2. Honor all your commitments big and small, they build a foundation of trust and confidence that is appealing to friends and business colleagues alike.
  3. Always be kind and remember to say thank you to those serving you, they deserve it and it just might make their day.

Embracing Growth and Change

  1. Fight the urge to rush becoming who you think you are supposed to be… it takes time to discover the real you and the passion that lives within.
  2. Don’t be afraid to try new things, different experiences, and explore hobbies that interest you. Life gets pretty monotonous doing the same things year after year.
  3. Spiritual growth is a journey that never ends this side of Heaven.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

  1. I’ve rarely regretted giving someone the benefit of doubt, but I usually regret jumping to conclusions.
  2. A high percentage of people you meet in life have a burden they’re carrying. It may be something they’re carrying themselves or something they are helping a loved one carry. Be kind and empathetic.
  3. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt before they have earned it says a lot about you and your approach to life.

Balancing Independence and Interdependence

  1. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it signifies self-awareness.
  2. When you are in the midst of challenges, fight the urge to go it alone. God has placed people in your life to guide and encourage you, seek their counsel.
  3. A mentor won’t find you; you must find your mentors. Don’t know where to look… start with someone who has already accomplished what you want to do. And see if they will share their story of how they did.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

  1. You will rarely have a bad day when you make it a priority to make other people smile and feel good about themselves.
  2. For many people it is harder to forgive yourself than it is to forgive someone else. But freedom is found when we cultivate a forgiving heart.
  3. Make sure the people you love also know how much you believe in them.

Maintaining Perspective

  1. Life is short. The days go slow and years go fast, prioritize building relationships over building wealth.
  2. Every marriage is comprised of two imperfect people. And the sooner those imperfect people learn the value of grace and forgiveness the happier they’ll be.
  3. A house will never feel like a home without people to share it with.

Embracing Authenticity and Transparency

  1. If left to ourselves we can rationalize everything and justify almost anything. This is why we need people in our life who will tell us what we need to hear and not just what we want to hear.
  2. Transparency leads to transparency, but someone has to go first… be bold, share your story and watch what happens next.
  3. Collect pictures and create photo albums, especially the ones handed down to you. They are filled with stories that should be preserved and shared.

Living with Intention

  1. The more clearly defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions you won’t regret.
  2. Fight the urge to keep a scorecard in your marriage with regard to household tasks. Things will rarely be equal. So, do what you can do when you have the margin and then work together to tackle the rest.
  3. No one is guaranteed tomorrow; so, never leave an ‘I love you’ left unsaid!
  4. “Divine Appointments” and “God Winks” await us each day, we must make sure we are not so busy or self-absorbed that we miss them.

Applying These Lessons to Your Life and Business

These 60 life lessons offer a wealth of wisdom for both personal growth and professional success. As a business owner or corporate executive, integrating these insights into your daily life can lead to more meaningful relationships, better decision-making, improved work-life balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.

At Tom Martin Coaching and Consulting, I can help you apply these life lessons to achieve your goals and find fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, enhance your leadership skills, or find more balance in your life, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

Remember, success is not just about achieving goals, but about becoming the best version of yourself in the process. By embracing these lessons, you’re taking a significant step towards winning in business and thriving in life.

Ready to transform your business and life?

Contact Tom Martin today to learn more about how these timeless lessons can help you achieve the success and fulfillment you deserve.

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Embrace the Power of One Word 365: A Transformative Approach to Goal Setting for 2024

Thirteen years ago, I was introduced to One Word 365 when I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life. And to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

It wasn’t just the intriguing title that captured my curiosity, but the compelling promise within the introduction that convinced me to make the purchase:

“If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it? And if this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it… would you give it a shot?”

As December of 2010 rolled in, I found myself in a challenging period. The year had thrown various obstacles my way, both personally and professionally. While the dealership was thriving, my battle with Merkel Cell cancer, which had metastasized, required three surgeries and over sixty radiation treatments. The toll it took on me was undeniable.

My instinct was always to power through challenges, but cancer brought a different kind of exhaustion. That’s when “One Word” entered my life, and, reflecting on my state, I chose the theme for the upcoming year – “Pause.” Little did I know that 45 days later, I would learn of my cancer’s return for the third time, now with a stage 4 diagnosis.

For me, the word “Pause” under those circumstances became synonymous with transformation.

Since that pivotal year, I’ve introduced the concept of One Word to family, friends, and interested business and life coaching clients.

The consensus?

Adopting a One Word 365 mindset brought clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which served as driving forces that kept their vision alive for the next 365 days.

But how can something so seemingly simple be so effective?

The answer lies in the power of words.

Words, when used thoughtfully and intentionally, possess transformative power. They inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and turn the seemingly impossible into the possible.

The magic of the One Word 365 mindset extends its impact to the core components of life, what I like to call the Six F’s:

Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun!

And trust me… there is a word out there waiting for you.

Are you ready to embark on the transformative journey of One Word 365 for 2024? If so, download a FREE COPY of my One Word 365 Workbook which walks you through the process of selecting a word for 2024!

one-word-365-workbook-tom-martin-coaching

Want to learn more… check out this video and discover the potential that lies within a single, powerful word.

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your own copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life book! 

 

As you can see from the image above, I’m still contemplating what my One Word 365 for 2024 will be. That’s ok, sometimes it takes time! Check back next week, and I will post my word along with why it is important to me for 2024. 

And if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2024… let’s chat!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024! 

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Don’t Waste Another Day – Discover How to Get Out of a Rut Once and for All

silhouette of man lost in thought, stuck and in a rut, looking out over downtown Atlanta skyline at night, tom martin life coach and business coaching Roswell Georgia

I’ll admit it… I was in a rut.

I had just returned from a great two-week vacation in Hilton Head Island where we were able to spend time with both sides of our families.

But when I returned, it was as if I left my mojo at the beach.  

Everything seemed to be a struggle…

  • Two new coaching clients that I was excited to start working with put things on hold until 4th quarter.
  • An exciting opportunity for a non-profit I’m a board member of fell through in the final stages of the due diligence period.
  • I was behind my timeline for having materials ready for the launch of my Leveraging Life Now mastermind group.

I could go on, but you get the picture, everything was a chore, and little was working as I had envisioned.

  • Have you ever been there?
  • Have you ever felt that way?  

The one thing I knew was that something had to change… me and my mindset!  

Fortunately, this wasn’t the first time, and I had a bit of experience on how to break free of a rut. Here is my strategy, what I call the A,B,C’s + a “D” on how to get out of a rut! 

Acknowledge your feelings…

The first step to getting out of a rut is to acknowledge that you’re in one. This can be difficult, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling.

Be curious about yourself and what’s missing…

Once you’ve acknowledged that you’re in a rut, start to ask yourself some questions about why you’re there. What are the factors that are contributing to your situation? What are you afraid of? What are you holding yourself back from?

Create a plan…

Once you have a better understanding of the reasons for your rut, you can start to create a plan for getting out of it. Start with small, take baby steps at first that provide traction and create momentum. And make sure your plan features specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive steps.

Don’t go it alone…

Getting out of a rut isn’t always easy. The human brain gets stuck in its ways. It can be difficult to hold ourselves accountable. Friends and family are often supportive, but they don’t always provide the push we need when we’re stuck in a rut. 

Interested in Drilling Down a Bit Deeper?

Here are some specific actions you can take to get unstuck and break free of a rut:

  • Set small, achievable goals. When you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to start with small, achievable goals. This will help you build momentum and make it less daunting to start making changes.
  • Break down big goals into smaller steps. If you have a big goal that you want to achieve, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it seem less overwhelming and more achievable.
  • Reward yourself for your accomplishments. When you reach a goal, no matter how small, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
  • Find a support system. Having a support system of friends, family, or colleagues can be helpful when you’re trying to get out of a rut. They can offer encouragement and support when you need it.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to get out of a rut on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a therapist, life coach, or other professional.

Getting out of a rut takes time and effort, but it is definitely possible. By following these tips, you can start to break the cycle of stagnation and create a life that you love.

Here are some final thoughts to help you avoid any future ruts: 

  • Take care of your physical health. When you’re feeling healthy and well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and make positive changes in your life.
  • Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is important for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for the people who matter most to you.
  • Do things that you enjoy. Make time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled. This could be anything from spending time in nature to reading a good book.
  • Challenge yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you grow and learn. Try something new, even if it scares you a little bit.
  • Be patient with yourself. Change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep moving forward and you will eventually reach your goals.

And don’t forget to Count Your Blessings!

Reflecting on the good things in your life, big or small each day is a powerful activity which helps us avoid ruts. And when you do this daily (I prefer in the morning before getting up) it will shift your perspective and you’ll feel more grateful and positive throughout the day. 

I hope these suggestions and practical tips help you get out of any rut you might be experiencing and put you on the path of creating a life where you both prosper and thrive!

Tom

Looking for additional resources…

Check out the Secrets to a New Life where Ed Mylett talks about how burnout, fatigued, and feeling overwhelmed are all symptoms of a much bigger problem that needs to be addressed. 

Secrets to a New Life Podcast on How to Get Out of a Rut from the Ed Mylett Show

Click the Image to Listen

Spend 20 minutes with Peak Performance Expert Ed Mylett and listen as he reveals the “disease” that is causing these symptoms and shares practical steps on how to get back on track! 

Or perhaps you are moving out of your rut but unsure what to do next… here are 3 Things To Do When You’re Unsure What To Do Next. 

Picture of a person unsure what to do with two arrows pointing the opposite directions

 

 

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One Word 365 for 2023

One Word 365 for 2023 image with picture of book cover to One Word That Will Change Your Life - Tom Martin Coaching

Twelve years ago, I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life, and to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

I think is it was the title that captured my curiosity. But it was the promise within the introduction that compelled me to purchase the book:

If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it?

If this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it, would you give it a shot?

It was December 2010 and I found myself in a bit of a funk. The year had been filled with challenges, both personal and professional.

The dealership was having a great year, but battling a rare form of cancer that had metastasized, three surgeries, and over sixty radiation treatments had certainly taken its tool.

My nature was to power through obstacles and challenges when they appeared in my life or arose in my career. So, when cancer was introduced into my world, I took the same approach. But in doing so, I was exhausted.

So, after reading One Word, and considering my current state of exhaustion, the one word theme I chose for the upcoming year was “Pause”.  But little did I know, some 45 days later I would find out my cancer had returned for a third time, with a stage 4 diagnosis.

The word “Pause” for me, that year, under those circumstances, was transformation!

Since then, I’ve shared One Word with family, friends, and in my coaching practice. And most would say that by adopting a One Word 365 mindset, they found clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which were driving forces that kept the vision alive for the next 365 days. 

How does something that sounds so simple, work so effectively?

Words are powerful!

When words are used thoughtfully and intentionally, they have the power. They can inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and make what seems impossible… possible.

The simple power of the One Word 365 mindset impacts the key components in your life. Something I refer to as the Six F’s: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun! 

There is a word out there for you!

If you’re ready to get started with One Word 365 for 2023… watch out this video!

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life! 

A list of the words Tom Martin has selected over the years to kick off the New Year as part of One Word 365.

As you can see from the image above, I’m still working through the One Word process of deciding what my One Word 365 for 2023 will be. But check back next week, and I will post my word here along with the reasons why “this word” is important to me for 2023. 

And remember, if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2023… let’s chat!

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023! 

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What To Do When You Do Not Know What To Do

Three Practical Things You Can Do Today

what-to-do-when-you-do-not-know-what-to-do-tom-martin-coaching

Out of the blue, I received a call from someone in the financial services industry that I had that referred clients over the years. Her business expertise was in an area beyond the scope of work I did with my clients. And while we had collaborated on clients, we had never talked about her business beyond the services she provided to business owners.

The voicemail indicated she wanted to run something by me. But when we spoke, I quickly realized she was at the crossroads with a business decision and she didn’t know what to do.

Many times the coaching conversations I have with business owners concern decisions they had made at a point in their life when they didn’t know what to do.

Seeking advice or counsel is the wise thing to do

But either by design or default or because of ego or pride, entrepreneurs and business owners tend to go it alone. Sometimes the results are good and often not as good as they had sought objective feedback or utilized someone as a sounding board.

And while I won’t go into the details of the call, here is a decision-making model I used to help her get a better idea of what to do when she truly didn’t know what to do.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. – Charles Swindoll

 

Be Inquisitive – research potential solutions

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• Search the internet – articles, books, blogs, podcasts, videos

• Ask friends, family, neighbors, or business associates if they know someone you should talk to who is familiar with the decision you are contemplating

 

 

Be Open – seek counsel

tom-martin-coaching-be-open-to-counsel• Being inquisitive is getting ideas about potential solutions.

• Getting counsel is tapping into the wisdom of someone who has perspective about the decision you have to make.

• And if you can’t find someone with first-hand knowledge of the situation, review your notes from all the conversations you had with people you trust (mentors, advisors, friends, spouse) to see where there is a consensus. And when there is, move on to the next step. Just make sure the people you’re talking to will not only tell you what they think but also what you need to hear.

 

Be Still – ponder, meditate, or pray

tom-martin-coaching-be-still• Evaluate everything you learned from being inquisitive and review the advice shared by counsel.

• Compare the advice shared by counsel.

• Stay still until you know what to do. Remember, no one knows for you…only you know for you!

 

A few final thoughts about moving forward after you make a decision about what to do:

KNOW THIS

Waiting to make a perfect decision means you’ll never make any decision! – Tom Martin

DO THIS

Forget about the ultimate outcome. Just focus on taking one step in the direction of the thing you decided to do.  – Tom Martin

REMEMBER THIS

Clarity comes when you move toward your destination and correct along the way.  – Michael Hyatt

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Happy New Year

Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet!

tom-martin-business-coaching-best-year-yet

9 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Begin the New Year

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself before starting the New Year is to set aside some for reflection. Reflecting on where you’ve been and where you are going can help you set the stage for your best year ever. 

Take 20-30 minutes to reflect on these 8 questions:

1.  What are my top three memories of 2017?

2.  What are three memories I want to create in 2018?

3.  What area in my life worked best in 2017?

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How To Avoid The January Funk

How are you doing? Is the January Funk messing with your mind and playing with your attitude? Well the good news is you survived Blue Monday, the unofficial “gloomiest day” of the year.

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The first Blue Monday was declared on January 24 in 2005 as part of a press release from a travel company. The date was a result of research used to discern travel trends and holiday bookings. And while science has debunked the gloomiest day of the year theory, there is no denying seasonal factors like post-holiday depression, increase debt, and inclement weather can be a catalyst for the January Funk.

But the good news is there are three things you can start doing today to beat the January Funk.