Is it just me, or does every product and service provider have a solution that offers the cure and magic pill for your personal situation or your business problems? Feeling depressed? Try this therapy. Dealing with stress? Take this drug. Business not growing? Revitalize your website. Employees not productive? Use these incentive products.

I think if we all step back, we clearly see that these solutions are good offerings, but just touches on the symptom – and does not fully address the root problem. Similar to the fact of the "check engine" light in your car – when that light comes on you have at least 4 options:

1. Ignore it

2. Put some black electrical tape over the light to hide the warning

3. Unplug the light from the fuse box

4. Take the car to a qualified mechanic and fix the problem

The solution may seem obvious in the above example, but as I talk with individuals every day I see them choosing options 1,2 or 3 for problems with their life or business. Maybe it’s easier to put off an issue you’re dealing with that doesn’t look like a red glowing light right in front of your face!

Unfortunately, problems you feel are "out of your control" that cause you stress and tension at home or at work are worse than just the oil needing to be changed in your car.

I think you’ll agree that the root of the issue is always YOU (for better or worse!)

This could be any number of things, such as…

• how you respond to problems thrown at you

• your mindset to address difficult situations

• having being influenced incorrectly or being in a wrong crowd

• lack of focus / attention

• paralysis of analysis

Now let me clarify something before I continue. We ALL have our thorns in our side we deal with. Every one of us has strengths, weaknesses, healthy attributes and unhealthy habits. No one is immune!

The difference here I’m talking about, is making a better YOU. In a recent article, we addressed having an R.O.U. (Return on You) vs. focusing on just an R.O.I. (Return on Investment). Certainly in this tough economy, or any economy, you’re concerned with Thriving and not just barely surviving. A lot of people I talk with are looking to be head and shoulders above their competition or in more control of their personal or professional life (do you see a lot of that too?).

One thing I know for sure is this: in today’s economy, YOU need to be better. Not a better website, not a better pill, not a better CRM (customer relations manager), not a better prospect list and not a better book off the shelf!

Using the car example from before, when you understand you are in the driver’s seat of your own life – the best turnaround for performance enhancement is a better Return on You. An R.O.U. that moves you past your reoccurring personal situations, and more competitive against your growing competition!

A lot of people don’t know it, but this is what most peak performers, top executives and very successful individuals have already found out from private coaching. Did you know that? I’ll bet you did.

In 2003, coaching was the second fastest growth industry in the US and it became worth $100 MILLION.

A coach is beneficial to anyone, from top celebrities to housewives and small to large businesses. People who have used and are using coaches include: Madonna, sports athletes and corporate giants like IBM.

Coaching is for people who want to take their life to the next level, and already successful people often use life coaches because they know the importance of making the most of every opportunity for personal growth.

In order to REALLY turn the tables for your life’s situation, a person has to be able to see from a different perspective and position than you see from. This is almost always the case for us humans! It’s a common occurrence for someone needing strength training, weight loss, career development, addiction recovery, performance help, etc. to get outside influential assistance!

"Recent studies show business coaching and executive coaching to be the most effective means for achieving sustainable growth, change and development in the individual, group and organization." – HR Monthly

"A major benefit of coaching is having someone who helps you see your strengths and weaknesses and uses them to accomplish your goals." – Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"A study featured in Public Personnel Management Journal reports managers that underwent a managerial training program showed an increased productivity of 22.4%. However, a second group was provided coaching following the training process and their productivity increased by 88%. Research does demonstrate that one-on-one executive coaching is of value." – F. Turner, Ph.D.

A coach helps you achieve your goals by providing support and being dedicated to your success. A coach will offer insights and perspectives and he/she will be there to listen to you and help you become a better YOU!

According to a Lee Hecht Harrison survey, "Companies are increasingly turning to coaching for leadership development, style issues and talent retention, so it makes sense that 55% of respondents said that their organization uses coaching as a one-on-one process intended to maximize management and leadership potential and 54% do so to change behaviors."

I would encourage you to take action TODAY. Whether we’re in tough economy, or a thriving economy – the differentiating factor for your success or happiness is YOU! Let a qualified coach work with you to get you from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. When you do, you’ll find yourself in a powerful new mindset and position like John Russell (see quote below). Take action today, and call or email me to begin making the major shifts that will change your life forever!

"I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem previously thought unsolvable."

• John Russell, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd.