Nov 6, 2007 | 5:46 pm
Being of Service
IÂ am a lifelong volunteer. From the first time I wanted so badly to get out of my fourth grade class, I volunteered to help train 1st graders to learn how to write computer programs in the elementary school library. I loved computers, and I loved the library – this was a natural fit for me. And this began my many years of service – customer service, social service, servicing the environment, etc.
This past week I was of service again as a volunteer with the Fearless Living Institute at the International Coach Federation Conference. I spoke to dozens of individuals about Fearless Living, our community, and our rigorous training. We often call ourselves the Harvard of coach training – and Harvard was at the conference. When I asked the Harvard representative about that, she said we certainly could refer to ourselves as the Harvard of coach training. (although she wasn’t willing to put that in writing 
I didn’t go for altruistic reasons. I went for fairly selfish reasons – to practice the art of talking about the work that I do. It’s sometimes a risk to talk about my career as a coach and I faced that head on this week. Talking about coaching to coaches – unbelieveable stretch. And in the process of supporting myself, I supported the development of the organization that changed my life.
Homework:
What’s something selfish you can do for yourself? Sit in the tub for an hour? Go away for a weekend and leave the kids home? How about making connections with others while volunteering for a favorite cause? Just because you’re action might be classified as selfish doesn’t make it a bad decision. In fact, your selfishness might just change the world.
Truly Yours,
Joey Lyons