In today’s episode, featuring special guest Susan Whitcomb, PCC, we will discuss the science of gratitude and how to activate it in your life and the lives of your clients. We will also examine specific applications to Christian coaching.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The mindset and mechanics (M&Ms) of gratitude
• What “cortisol-creep,” road salt, and the rusty undercarriages of cars have in common
• How gratitude releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemical, in our brains
• The difference between prayer, praise, and prayse
• How to activate the gratitude center of the brain
• And more

If you would like to connect with Susan Whitcomb and learn more about the training she offers, visit TheAcademies.com. Also, don’t forget to stop by ProfessionalChristianCoachingToday.com to pick up your free Align Your Life Assessment.

Until next time, keep raising the standard and changing the world!

Show Notes

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About Susan Whitcomb:

Susan Whitcomb is the Founder and president of The Academies, which specializes in brain friendly coach training for corporate and executive coaching. She is the author of 7 books and has developed an extensive coach-training curriculum approved by the International Coach Federation. Susan has a gift for taking complex neuroscience principles and making them understandable and applicable to every-day coaching. She has studied personally with thought leaders from the Academy of Brain-Based Leadership and the Applied Neuroscience Institute, where she became the only Licensed NeuroPositive Coach from that organization to also be awarded the Master Level designation. She is on a mission to equip coaches to “Change Minds For Good!”

In the previous podcast, Chris talked about the challenges and obstacles he faced after shutting down his successful counseling practice to move his wife and children cross-country to the family farm and launch a private coaching practice.

Shortly after relocating, Chris was struck by a debilitating illness that took years to diagnose. He entered a “dark night of the soul” that took a toll on both he and his family. But instead of allowing difficult circumstances to harden their hearts, they served to strengthen their faith and resolve. During these difficult years, God inscribed valuable life lessons on Chris’ heart, which he shares with us today.

Chris identifies five critical beliefs that shaped his life and decisions during these years:

• Discern your life’s call and listen to the song of your heart.
• Count the cost and do your due diligence when launching your coaching business and in honoring your values.
• Commit for the long haul. After putting your hand to the plow, resist the temptation to look back (Luke 9:62).
• Persevere through the dark times and allow nothing to deter you from God’s plan and purpose for you, both personally and professionally.
• Work creatively and collaboratively. Say, “Lord, show me something fresh here.” Ask, “Collaboratively, who else can help me?”

How might these key takeaways mold your life and coaching practice?

If after listening to today’s broadcast, you’re asking yourself, “So, what’s next?” or “How can I do a similar examination of my life and priorities?” download the “Align Your Life Inventory” for free. Just go to our website, ProfessionalChristianCoachingToday.com, and enter your name and email below the masthead. Signing up for this free resource will also add you to our mailing list and keep you up-to-date on new topics and podcasts.

Until next time, keep Raising the Standard and Changing the World!

Show Notes

http://professionalchristiancoachingtoday.com/       

Today we sit down with our show’s host, Christopher McCluskey, to hear his story as he has dared to answer the song of his heart, a song place there by God.

Raised in a healthy Christian family, Christopher McCluskey was blessed beyond measure. But that didn’t make his path any easier as he faced countless challenges and overwhelming obstacles to answer God's call on his life—a call that has not only touched his professional and personal life but also the lives of thousands.

Chris’s story offers important life lessons we could all learn from:

• The importance of honoring the song God has place in your heart
• Choosing to persevere in the face of adversity
• Committing to running and finishing the race God has set before you
• Sacrificing short-term pleasures for long-term gains
• How a supportive family or community helps us weather life’s storms
• And more

Be sure to tune in for part two of Chris' story next week and learn how the worst—and the best—was yet to come.

Until then, keep Raising the Standard and Changing the World!

Show Notes

http://professionalchristiancoachingtoday.com/       

Today, we’re listening in on an entire coaching session from beginning to end and offering commentary on key points in the conversation, including a dramatic shift that happened halfway through the session.

In this pre-recorded session, leadership coach and Professional Christian Coaching Institute faculty member Charles Hooper, MDiv, PCC, coaches Rebecca, a student volunteer from a Coaching Essentials training class, around a shift in mindset.

In this episode, you’ll get answers to your questions about:

• The importance of the client setting the agenda
• Narrowing the focus of the call
• Identifying a clear takeaway up front
• Handling strong client emotions
• Coaching presence and process
• And a lot more

As we’re making this inaugural launch of the podcast, could you help us by providing your feedback? If you believe in Christian coaching as we do, we would appreciate your honest review and rating on iTunes.

And be sure to pass this podcast along to a friend.

Until next week, keep Raising the Standard and Changing the World!

Show Notes

http://professionalchristiancoachingtoday.com/