If you want to succeed at a new adventure, announce it to the public. I achieved my most recent cycling goal. More below.

Ed, enroute to climbing Mt Figueroa, nicknamed "The Stinger"

Thanks for your good wishes and support.

The Value of Coaching

As some of you may know, I've had the pleasure of riding my bike under the tutelage of the Chris Carmichael training program. Chris started his coaching business in 2000, after reaching a high degree of success with both the U.S. program and with his star pupil, Lance Armstrong.

Perseverance is Key
I've been working with the program since 2002, being coached by several different coaches over the years. Ten years ago, I was successful in climbing a very tough mountain in the Santa Ynez Valley (California) area. Mount Figueroa is the same mountain used for training purposes by several of the professional teams, including the teams with Lance Armstrong. Because of my success that year, I was encouraged to ride the Tour de France route ... And among other climbs that year in France, I climbed Alp d'Huez on July 23, 2002.

Set Goals and Get Encouragement
This year, I decided to attempt the climb again (Mt. Fig is nick-named "The Stinger" by Chris), 10 years later. A CTS (Carmichael) coach accompanied me and together we started the climb. The coach told me about the course layout, where it was the steepest and how to approach each area of the climb as we progressed upward. He told me what my maximum power (watts) output should be in order to continue the extended climb without burning myself up. He encouraged me as I went forward, telling me that I still had strength left in my legs despite my own doubts. He told me the truth, but in a way I could understand and internalize the information. Just the facts, but with an encouraging and supportive voice that overcame my own doubts. We are our own worst critics and also rarely see the full truth of our own situation.

Find a Supportive and Truthful Coach
That's the value of the coaching process. I believe in this process. Not only do I enjoy the coaching program of Chris Carmichael, but I also engage a coach for my own business of coaching. I enjoy working with lawyers, my clients, and seek to provide them with the same support I received today.

Announce Your Plans Publicly. Then Achieve Them.
If you want to succeed at a new adventure, announce it to the public ... as I did by telling y'all my intent some time ago ... Today was my "trial date," and I'm pleased to tell you that I succeeded. I traveled 45 miles and climbed 5500 feet elevation, sometimes at a 16/17% pitch. I didn't get any points for style, as I had to stop multiple times on the mountain to catch my breath. But, I do receive a "10" for persistence and reaching my goal of making it to the top. Thanks for your good wishes and support.

In this issue:

The Value of Coaching

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What Clients Are Saying:

"I requested that (my partners) allow me to take on the management of the firm and suggested the creation of a business plan.... (Our practice) is a successful practice, but in dire need of a direction -- and a business plan. They agreed to give me a shot and entertain a rough outline of my ideas. I was shocked when they agreed, but then horrified at the task before me. However, sitting on my shelf is "The Business of Law" that I purchased from you a few years ago. I began to read it and a whole new world has opened up for me. I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for writing the book... I am excited about the opportunity I have and just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all you do for the field."

CD
Pleasanton, CA

"I was an associate at a large national law firm and I felt "stuck," but I didn't know how to market myself to clients or to other firms. Ed's focus on the business side of the law firm provided a solid grounding for me to evaluate my current situation and a platform from which I could start growing my own practice. In many ways, working with Ed is like working with a therapist. Part of my coaching process with Ed has been getting to understand more thoroughly my strengths and weaknesses as both a marketer and as a lawyer. After working with Ed for six months, I was ready to market myself to other firms: I developed a clearly articulated set of objectives and Ed has gave me the tools that I needed to increase my exposure. Today, I am working for a law firm that provides better opportunities for my professional growth."

CH
San Francisco, CA