Looking back I see that I was beset by the tyranny of trying - my "major" was struggle. What was the payoff? I got to feel right, judgmental, and superior to those I considered slackers - and fuel my resentment and loneliness. I was driven by fear and anxiety, and I wasn't having much fun. Not surprisingly, I turned to food and alcohol to relieve the pressure of my perfectionism.

Now as a woman who is recovering her life*, my passion is to coach clients to recover from their own tyranny of trying. Many of us are addicted to the belief that trying is a necessary prerequisite for success. Recently a client revealed to me that the more she tries to grow her company, the more she feels like it's floundering. Through the coaching process, when she allows herself to be with the experience of trying, something inside her lets go and she experiences tremendous relief and a surge of energy. Not surprisingly, business picks up.

Sometimes we say "I'll try", when the truth is, we haven't paused to ask ourselves if we are able - or even want - to do what's requested. For instance, in the middle of a business meeting, we may feel pressured to quickly come up with the 'right' answer. We hesitate to say, "I'll get back to you," because we're afraid of looking incompetent. Or we agree to do something with our spouse because we don't want to disappoint them. In either case, we may promise something we can't deliver, and then have to pay the consequences later.

Yet trying to stop trying doesn't work either! I have found that being open and curious is a kinder and more effective way to relieve this struggle. Here's a way you can practice openness and curiosity to cure the tyranny of trying:

Begin to notice times when you think or say "I'll try." Then gently ask yourself these questions:

• "Am I breathing?"
• "How do I feel physically or emotionally?"
• "Do I really want to do what I said I'll try to do?"
• "Can I just observe what is going on right now - without having to change anything?"

How might it turn out to simply be with the moment before you say "I'll try" and see what arises?

~ Linda

* (See the May/June E-Newsletter article, Recover Your Life)

"Recovery Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps folks who are in or who are considering recovery from addiction to produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses, or organizations-while advancing their recovery from addiction." (Recovery Coaches International: Adapted from ICF Definition of Coaching)

If you are in recovery, DreamShift Coaching can support you to take full responsibility for creating a fulfilling and joyful sober life. As a trained recovery coach, a founding member of Recovery Coaches International, and someone in recovery herself, Linda mentors you to break addictive patterns and build accountability, thus preventing relapse. Relationships improve, your energy increases, and self-confidence replaces fear as you shift from being a victim to the creator of your life. You learn to envision what you truly want, re-shape your business to support this vision, and take action that is life affirming, congruent and effective.

If you would like to explore how coaching might enhance your recovery process, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

I'd like to invite you to a three-hour workshop my colleague Wendy Barlin, CPA and business consultant, is presenting on Thursday, August 23rd at 9 AM in West Los Angeles. The workshop will cover strategies for increasing your cash flow that guarantee immediate results.

At the seminar you'll hear Wendy disclose how she started her business with credit cards and is now cash flow positive. You'll also find out:

• How to get clients to pay you more quickly
• Where to look for affordable financing
• Common mistakes and expensive blunders to avoid

You can sign up at www.curecashflowcrunch.com.

Fall Class and Teleclass Series
Begin on October 1 & 2, 2007

CEUs now available for California MFTs and LCSWs
Teleclass: 1.5 CEUs per session or 6 CEUs for series
Class: 2 CEUs per session or 8 CEUs for series


Teleclass Series:
Mondays: Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, 2007
3:00 - 4:30 pm PT (6:00 - 7:30 pm ET).
Teleclass cost: $69 per teleclass or $239 for series of four.

Class Series:
Tuesdays: Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13, 2007
7:00 - 9:00 pm PT
Class cost: $79 per class or $279 for series of four.

Many people who have read The Four Agreements find it challenging to live them. These lively and interactive class and teleclass series teach you how to make these simple principles real in your professional and personal life. In each class you learn one agreement and practice using it, along with Linda's innovative DreamShifting process, to transform yourself and all your relationships.

Choose the format that is more convenient for you: Classes meet in a beautiful location in West Los Angeles. Teleclasses are held via a phone conference line. Both are equally interactive, experiential, life changing and fun!

Sign up for series to receive
The Four Agreements - Free!