ABD = “All But the Dissertation”. That is where I’m at.
Four years ago, I started on a journey. I enrolled in a PhD program (www.iups.com) and I am ALMOST done! (I’m on the last chapter). It’s been an amazing process of personal challenge and growth. For those of you interested, the program is “Professional Coaching and Human Development”. This is an independent program where there are no courses offered, no graduation ceremony, no frills, bells or whistles. You are given an academic advisor and when accepted, are told the amount of credits you need to complete for your degree, and in what topic areas. It is between you and your advisor to figure out where and how you will get the information. You can take a course at a local college or university, study online, etc. Now, this degree happens to be non-accredited. Apparently, that is a big deal for some. When I began this degree (and I believe this is still true today) no accredited program in coaching existed in the U.S. This degree and this program, was the best way for me to achieve my own goal about doing research on coaching youth.
My research is on Life Coaching Youth between the ages of 13-20. I created a “Supportive Youth Coaching Model” based on my experience and beliefs about coaching youth. I surveyed coaches from around the world (I’ve data collected from 10 countries) on their practices and perceptions about coaching this population. Then, I compared my model to both the current literature available on coaching youth, as well as information gathered from the survey. My goal is to present this “Supportive Youth Coaching Model” to a) inform the coaching practices of this specialty area, and b) to provide evidence that this model is appropriate to use in the practice of coaching youth.
I can say now, that I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into! I quickly realized that due to the independent nature of the program, I would have to find my own support circle of friends, professionals and resources. So, I hired my own coach, I found a statistician to help me with the numbers stuff I don’t know how to do, and gratefully accepted support of friends with research knowledge and resources.
What I’ve realized, is that this “big project” of mine is no different from any other goal that anyone else sets. In setting goals for yourself, it is important to:
a) have a clear result (when I am done, this is what I will have)
b) have deadlines (and be willing to adapt those deadlines)
c) find support that you need in order to help you accomplish your goal
d) be flexible and adaptable…. some things are beyond your control
e) not everyone will agree with your goal, or even think it’s a good idea. It’s important to surround yourself with people who support you.
f) prioritize your ‘to do’ list, and start with the most important each day
g) take breaks, have fun, enjoy life
h) find an accountability partner – to help you keep on track! This could be a friend, a colleague, a coach or a family member.
What is a BIG goal that you are currently working on? Pick ONE right now. Then answer these questions to get your thinking about this goal:
1. What do you need to do differently, in order to accomplish this goal?
2. What do you need to give up? (for example, I’ve had to give up a lot of time spent with family and friends, in order to focus on my writing)
3. How does this goal fit with your values?
4. What is ONE thing that you ARE WILLING to do DAILY, in order to accomplish this goal?
5. Who is your support? What support do you need? Where can you find it?
6. Looking ahead, what will happen if you do not accomplish this goal? What will happen if you do?
7. What are your strengths, and how can they support you completing this goal?
8. How much time are you willing to spend on this goal?
9. On a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to complete this goal? If your number is lower than an 7, consider the next question.
10. What would bring your motivation number up to at least an 8. What would need to be in place?
Of course, you could also consider hiring your own coach! There are many of us out there, with many different specialties. Find a coach that fits for you. Check into their credentials, as well as their experience. Ask about their certification, and check to see if they are credentialed through the International Coach Federation (ICF). You can easily do this by going to: www.coachfederation.org. ICF has a free ‘coach referral’ service. If you are in Minnesota – also check into the Minnesota Coaches Association website, as they also have a free coach referral program (www.minnesotacoaches.org).
Take care, be well – and please share your goals! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you have.
-Sandi
www.isupportYOUth.com
www.adelantecoaching.com




