 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Introducing Encouragement Coach Felicia Scott™
She's the newest member of the EEW team of columnists and we are very excited to welcome her to our
family. We want you to know that Coach Scott is a sister that has her priorities together and is fully
equipped to lead you on the road to fulfilling your divine purpose. Before you get into her first powerful
"encouragement coaching session," here are a few of her impressive credentials:
Quoted as one of today's leading motivational speakers by Essence magazine, Encouragement Coach
Scott™ shares life-changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. The author of Thrive! 7
Strategies for Extraordinary Living and former columnist for Heart & Soul magazine, she has been
featured in Essence, Gospel Today and Black Issues Book Review magazines. Her Live The
Empowered Life Coaching radio show is available on TalkShoe.com and Thrive! 7 Strategies for
Extraordinary Living Seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth conferences. For more info
on Coach Scott, visit feliciascott.com or myspace.com/upliftagency.
Now sit back and enjoy your coaching session!
She's the newest member of the EEW team of columnists and we are very excited to welcome her to our
family. We want you to know that Coach Scott is a sister that has her priorities together and is fully
equipped to lead you on the road to fulfilling your divine purpose. Before you get into her first powerful
"encouragement coaching session," here are a few of her impressive credentials:
Quoted as one of today's leading motivational speakers by Essence magazine, Encouragement Coach
Scott™ shares life-changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. The author of Thrive! 7
Strategies for Extraordinary Living and former columnist for Heart & Soul magazine, she has been
featured in Essence, Gospel Today and Black Issues Book Review magazines. Her Live The
Empowered Life Coaching radio show is available on TalkShoe.com and Thrive! 7 Strategies for
Extraordinary Living Seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth conferences. For more info
on Coach Scott, visit feliciascott.com or myspace.com/upliftagency.
Now sit back and enjoy your coaching session!
A few weeks ago, I woke up crying and emotionally exhausted from a nightmare. A nightmare
caused by chaos and stress in my real life. As I lay in my bed weeping, it seemed as if every tear came from a
place deeper than the one that flowed before it. Despondent and listless, I lay in bed and even though it was
only seven in the morning, I made the decision that I would spend the rest of the day right there. No sooner than
the decision was made, my sister knocked on my door. She patiently listened as I shared my sorrows and
fifteen minutes later, I was out of bed. Within an hour, I’d completed a workout and within two hours I was in
church worshipping. It ended up being a good day.
If my sister hadn’t shown up, things would have played out differently. Alone, I did not have the strength or vision
to do anything but cry. But with her support, I was able to grieve healthily and then move on—realizing that in
time the things burdening me would get better.
The secular world champions the idea of self-made heroes who pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
However, in the Bible we see quite a different story. From the beginning, God makes it clear that we are to
support and rely on one another. Even the Savior, in the most crucial moment of his life, relied on his team for
support. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as the destiny of the world lay in the balance, Jesus called on the
friendship of Peter, James & John to give him strength in his humanity to face the challenge ahead. Like the
man Jesus, you cannot make it alone! As you work towards achieving the dreams and goals of your heart, it won’
t be easy. However, with patience, a plan and a team you can get it done.
Assembling Your Team
Membership Criteria:
Although you may have great family and friends, your support team is different. It is a formal alliance and a
purposeful community. Community is a place of common unity. It is a group of people whose energy and focus
is directed at a common cause. In this particular instance, that energy and focus is you!
As you pick your team, remember to keep it small. I recommend a maximum of four to five members in order to
help maintain easy communication and intimacy. While structuring your team, look for the following qualities:
Everyone on your team should love you. The Biblical criteria for love described in 1 Corinthians 13, is the
standard here. This love goes beyond a positive emotional response towards you—it’s about people who are
willing to confront you truthfully. I believe at least one member of your team should be an intimate friend who is
familiar with both your good and bad qualities. However, make sure you pick someone who makes you
uncomfortable (in a positive sense) as well. In my life, it’s my older brother. In issues of dating, I begrudgingly
seek his advice. Why? Because I know he will ask me the questions that force me to face the issues I may want
to sugarcoat and overlook. He loves me and helps me to take the medicine that tastes terrible, but is good for
me. Don’t surround yourself with “Yes women or men!” Pick people who will lovingly challenge you!
Everyone on your team should know you or be an expert in the subject area of your goal. Your community
should be aware of your personal triggers so they can help you identify and navigate the challenging phases. If
they don’t know you well personally, then they should be subject matter experts who possess an idea of your
potential. In my efforts to lose weight, enlisting the aid of a personal trainer is an example. While he or she may
not know me personally, they are well aware of the common obstacles individuals face when working towards
the goal of weight loss. Their knowledge can help me craft winning strategies.
Everyone in your community must believe in your goal. In order to properly support you, your team members
must be convinced of the need for you to achieve your goal. They must understand and see its benefits, so that
when your vision grows dim, they can help you refocus. Their personal belief and conviction will help them
maintain objectivity, rather than being easily influenced (possibly manipulated) by the emotional ups and downs
you will experience on your journey. They will be able to empathize with your emotions, without compromising
the integrity of your goal.
caused by chaos and stress in my real life. As I lay in my bed weeping, it seemed as if every tear came from a
place deeper than the one that flowed before it. Despondent and listless, I lay in bed and even though it was
only seven in the morning, I made the decision that I would spend the rest of the day right there. No sooner than
the decision was made, my sister knocked on my door. She patiently listened as I shared my sorrows and
fifteen minutes later, I was out of bed. Within an hour, I’d completed a workout and within two hours I was in
church worshipping. It ended up being a good day.
If my sister hadn’t shown up, things would have played out differently. Alone, I did not have the strength or vision
to do anything but cry. But with her support, I was able to grieve healthily and then move on—realizing that in
time the things burdening me would get better.
The secular world champions the idea of self-made heroes who pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
However, in the Bible we see quite a different story. From the beginning, God makes it clear that we are to
support and rely on one another. Even the Savior, in the most crucial moment of his life, relied on his team for
support. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as the destiny of the world lay in the balance, Jesus called on the
friendship of Peter, James & John to give him strength in his humanity to face the challenge ahead. Like the
man Jesus, you cannot make it alone! As you work towards achieving the dreams and goals of your heart, it won’
t be easy. However, with patience, a plan and a team you can get it done.
Assembling Your Team
Membership Criteria:
Although you may have great family and friends, your support team is different. It is a formal alliance and a
purposeful community. Community is a place of common unity. It is a group of people whose energy and focus
is directed at a common cause. In this particular instance, that energy and focus is you!
As you pick your team, remember to keep it small. I recommend a maximum of four to five members in order to
help maintain easy communication and intimacy. While structuring your team, look for the following qualities:
Everyone on your team should love you. The Biblical criteria for love described in 1 Corinthians 13, is the
standard here. This love goes beyond a positive emotional response towards you—it’s about people who are
willing to confront you truthfully. I believe at least one member of your team should be an intimate friend who is
familiar with both your good and bad qualities. However, make sure you pick someone who makes you
uncomfortable (in a positive sense) as well. In my life, it’s my older brother. In issues of dating, I begrudgingly
seek his advice. Why? Because I know he will ask me the questions that force me to face the issues I may want
to sugarcoat and overlook. He loves me and helps me to take the medicine that tastes terrible, but is good for
me. Don’t surround yourself with “Yes women or men!” Pick people who will lovingly challenge you!
Everyone on your team should know you or be an expert in the subject area of your goal. Your community
should be aware of your personal triggers so they can help you identify and navigate the challenging phases. If
they don’t know you well personally, then they should be subject matter experts who possess an idea of your
potential. In my efforts to lose weight, enlisting the aid of a personal trainer is an example. While he or she may
not know me personally, they are well aware of the common obstacles individuals face when working towards
the goal of weight loss. Their knowledge can help me craft winning strategies.
Everyone in your community must believe in your goal. In order to properly support you, your team members
must be convinced of the need for you to achieve your goal. They must understand and see its benefits, so that
when your vision grows dim, they can help you refocus. Their personal belief and conviction will help them
maintain objectivity, rather than being easily influenced (possibly manipulated) by the emotional ups and downs
you will experience on your journey. They will be able to empathize with your emotions, without compromising
the integrity of your goal.
Let’s Live It!
STEPS TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS
Step 1: Take a few minutes to review your goal once
again. Quickly, jot down the names of at least ten
individuals you think would be willing and/or capable of
helping you to achieve it. Remember: We’re focusing on
one goal at a time! (See last month’s Commit to the
Chisel article for a refresher on why this is important.)
Step 2: Beside each person’s name list the reasons
you selected them. Ask yourself, “What is it about them
that will help you be successful? Has this individual
traditionally shown themselves to be committed to your
best interest? Do they demonstrate a high aptitude in
the area of your goal?
Step 3: Determine the qualities that you believe will
encourage you to be accountable to these individuals.
Why do you respect their input? What will help you call
on their support when you feel discouraged?
Be honest with yourself about what you will need to be
accountable to your team.
Step 4: Select a maximum of five individuals from your
list. Pray about your selection and make sure you have
peace. If some of the individuals don’t make the cut, go
back to the remaining individuals on your original list
and start the process again. Once you have your top
three to five selected, proceed to step five.
Step 5: Schedule an individual meeting with each team
member. Discuss your goal with them and tell them the
role you need them to play. Practice full disclosure by
being honest about your expectations. If you think you
will need weekly meetings, put it on the table. They are
entering a contract with you and need to know their
responsibilities.
Find out what they are prepared and able to commit to
the process. You may find that some things are
negotiable and some are not. If they can’t give you what
you need, that’s okay, go back to Step 2 and start again.
Step 6: Once your team is assembled, if possible,
schedule a team meeting. Your community members
should be familiar with each other and know how to
contact each other so they can best serve you in your
process. It gives them an opportunity to decide how they
will work together in helping you.
Step 7: Time to start working on your plan!
Creating a working team is no easy feat. It is going to
take committed individuals who are willing to invest their
time in your success. Don’t be discouraged by how
difficult and time consuming it will be to craft your team.
I know you’re eager and ready to start the next step, but
believe me when I tell you that the right team is crucial to
your success!
Next month, we’ll delve into developing the qualities and
mindset that create true accountability in your
community. Until then, let’s get going on our teams! I’d
love to hear about your progress, so please feel free to
email your comments and thoughts to
felicia@feliciascott.com.
STEPS TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS
Step 1: Take a few minutes to review your goal once
again. Quickly, jot down the names of at least ten
individuals you think would be willing and/or capable of
helping you to achieve it. Remember: We’re focusing on
one goal at a time! (See last month’s Commit to the
Chisel article for a refresher on why this is important.)
Step 2: Beside each person’s name list the reasons
you selected them. Ask yourself, “What is it about them
that will help you be successful? Has this individual
traditionally shown themselves to be committed to your
best interest? Do they demonstrate a high aptitude in
the area of your goal?
Step 3: Determine the qualities that you believe will
encourage you to be accountable to these individuals.
Why do you respect their input? What will help you call
on their support when you feel discouraged?
Be honest with yourself about what you will need to be
accountable to your team.
Step 4: Select a maximum of five individuals from your
list. Pray about your selection and make sure you have
peace. If some of the individuals don’t make the cut, go
back to the remaining individuals on your original list
and start the process again. Once you have your top
three to five selected, proceed to step five.
Step 5: Schedule an individual meeting with each team
member. Discuss your goal with them and tell them the
role you need them to play. Practice full disclosure by
being honest about your expectations. If you think you
will need weekly meetings, put it on the table. They are
entering a contract with you and need to know their
responsibilities.
Find out what they are prepared and able to commit to
the process. You may find that some things are
negotiable and some are not. If they can’t give you what
you need, that’s okay, go back to Step 2 and start again.
Step 6: Once your team is assembled, if possible,
schedule a team meeting. Your community members
should be familiar with each other and know how to
contact each other so they can best serve you in your
process. It gives them an opportunity to decide how they
will work together in helping you.
Step 7: Time to start working on your plan!
Creating a working team is no easy feat. It is going to
take committed individuals who are willing to invest their
time in your success. Don’t be discouraged by how
difficult and time consuming it will be to craft your team.
I know you’re eager and ready to start the next step, but
believe me when I tell you that the right team is crucial to
your success!
Next month, we’ll delve into developing the qualities and
mindset that create true accountability in your
community. Until then, let’s get going on our teams! I’d
love to hear about your progress, so please feel free to
email your comments and thoughts to
felicia@feliciascott.com.
Quoted as one of today's leading motivational speakers by Essence magazine, Encouragement Coach Scott™ shares life-
changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. The author of Thrive! 7 Strategies for Extraordinary Living and
former columnist for Heart & Soul magazine has been featured in Essence, Gospel Today and Black Issues Book Review
magazines. Her Thrive! 7 Strategies for Extraordinary Living Seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth
conferences and her Live The Empowered Life Coaching radio show is available at feliciascott.com. For more info, also
visit myspace.com/upliftagency.
changing truths with practical wisdom, humor and insight. The author of Thrive! 7 Strategies for Extraordinary Living and
former columnist for Heart & Soul magazine has been featured in Essence, Gospel Today and Black Issues Book Review
magazines. Her Thrive! 7 Strategies for Extraordinary Living Seminars are popular at women's, singles' and youth
conferences and her Live The Empowered Life Coaching radio show is available at feliciascott.com. For more info, also
visit myspace.com/upliftagency.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| © & TM 2008-2012 EEW Magazine a division of Hobbs Ministries a Subsidiary of Training for Reigning Inc. Custom graphics and logos are registered trademarks of EEW Magazine and may not be reproduced or replicated in any form. |