The view from the top

My business planning day was inspiring.
Mike Hutchinson (my coach for the day) began by explaining that when we were standing at the base of a mountain and looking up, it appeared to be a stiff climb – but that when we are standing on the summit, the view will be spectacular.
I have been standing at the base of my mountain for some months now – and becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the climb – life has looked like a struggle.
Taking my own medicine for once, I wrote “28th March 2009” at the top of a flip chart and, as I sat in Mike’s lounge, he scribbled on the flip chart as I began to describe the view I want to see in three years from now.
The process took around 4 hours and, as the view came into focus my energy levels grew and grew.
After a delightful lunch of fish, augergine, potatoes and vegetables, prepared (and I was impressed) by Mike in his country kitchen, we then spent another 2 hours beginning to plot my “camps” on the ascent of the mountain – the most important being “Camp 1” in 90-days time.
I also had the opportunity to articulate many of my emotions around both personal and professional issues that trouble me (all the ways in which I could fall) – and gain clarity on what has to happen.
To be on the receiving end of first-class coaching was refreshing and inspiring.
I have altered my work schedule to facilitate another meeting a week today, in which we intend to deconstuct and reconstruct my cash flows, to determine action necessary now to begin the ascent.
The view from the top is simply fantastic – and I am now plotting a route and gathering the team and the equipment that will be appropriate for a succesful expedition.
I am wired, fired and ready to climb.

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.