Have you ever reflected back over your life and the people who have made significant contributions to where you are today? When I do, one person who comes immediately to mind is Judy Billman, my first coach. I hired Judy back in the mid 80's when no one knew what a 'business coach' was, so Judy called herself a business consultant. Lucky for me, she was really a coach. Most of our work together was having me look within myself and seeing 'who I was being that was keeping my foot nailed to the floor,' one of Judy's phrases that has stuck with me.

Through working with Judy, I learned there's a coach within all of us, because there's a desire to serve and contribute to others. I also learned the tremendous power that's available in a coaching relationship. So much so, that when I eventually sold my veterinary practice, the goal which I'd hired Judy to help me fulfill, I added being a coach to my dream list of also wanting to be a freelance writer and speaker.

That's been over 16 years ago, and during that time I've had the pleasure and privilege to coach hundreds of people either through 1-on-1 relationships or in group settings. Not only has this provided my family with an enjoyable lifestyle that allows us to live exactly where we want, with flexible hours that we set, (for the most part as much time off as I'm willing to schedule, etc.) but also the opportunity to grow and evolve as a person as I assist my clients to do the same.

Oh, it's not always been easy. There have been plenty of challenges, including a bankruptcy several years ago when I over-extended myself and failed to be responsible for the financial aspect of my life. I've made my mistakes along the way.

A little over a year ago I created a 'Vision Fulfillment Team' with other Life On Purpose Coaches and faculty members. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. We had more faculty than we had business to support, and it felt like to me I had added too many additional leaders to the pot too soon, without knowing how to lead them as a team. So, when I discontinued the vision team, everyone on the team (who was also faculty,) decided to leave. It was a hard lesson to learn.

We've weathered the storm and this year we're like the mythological Phoenix arising from our ashes, more passionate and on purpose than ever.

Yes, I've made my share of mistakes, but I've never doubted my abilities as a coach or my dream of contributing to this new profession by creating a unique type of coach -- what I call a Life On Purpose Coach, and here's why.

If I had to point to one thing that has made the most profound and lasting difference in my life...well, the truth is I don't know that I can do that. So, I'll point out a few things:

1- Becoming a dad. Boy, you talk about a HUGE transformational experience that was when Amber came into my life. Thank you Ann and God for that gift.

2- Meeting and marrying my soul mate, Ann. This journey through life just wouldn't have been the same without her.

3- Taking the time and making the effort to clarify my life purpose so I could devote the rest of my life to living it, and sharing that possibility with the rest of the world.

And that's what a Life On Purpose Coach does for others-- pure and simple. And in the process, we get to live our own life on purpose at a very high level of integrity. Why? Because I truly believe it's paramount to be an effective and successful coach, our lives must be a reflection of our own true purpose. We need to be on the purposeful path along with our clients.

So, thanks, Judy for making such a profound and lasting difference in my life and for giving me the opportunity to 'pay it forward.'

2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.