I am a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP.) In the past 12 years, I have personally coached thousands of clients from all over the world in all aspects of their lives including emotional intelligence, relationship problems, career frustrations, caretaking a partner or relative, grief, midlife crisis, weight problems, and divorce.
My clients tend to be high achievers who are very successful but find themselves feeling stressed out, depleted, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled in their day-to-day lives. Although they perceivably have “everything” (job, house, family, friends, nice lifestyle) they feel empty inside and aren't enjoying what they have the way they want to be. On top of this, they feel ashamed for being dissatisfied with a life that most people envy which makes them feel not only guilty but also isolated because they can’t tell anyone how they feel for fear of being judged or viewed as not having it together.
I have learned from my own life that success is empty without fulfillment. The degree to which you enjoy your life has nothing to do with having all the “stuff.” Nothing is wrong with stuff, it just can’t provide deep, lasting joy. Lasting joy and fulfillment come from having high-quality relationships, taking risks, utilizing your creativity, and doing work that has meaning and purpose. I see clients all the time who work very hard and consistently meet all their responsibilities. These individuals maintain very high standards for themselves in every part of their lives. They are successful in their careers and make great money but feel burned out, overwhelmed, stressed, resentful, and like their life has become a chore. It doesn’t feel good, it’s not fun and more importantly, it’s not sustainable.
