Coach Charlie

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

It struck me yesterday morning while I was having my coffee on the deck just how far I’ve come with my training. It’s been a long and sometimes arduous journey. I freely admit to having moments when I just wanted to pack it in and bail.

Yet, sitting here today with a lot of it behind me, I'll give myself a little credit. I've made some progress.

You see, I’m working with Coach Charlie, one of the most amazing experts of human behavior I’ve ever encountered. His training is based on a profound understanding of a very simple premise: "With a clear purpose, a relentless commitment to the plan, and never losing site of the intended outcome, you can accomplish anything."

Being in and of the world is everything to Coach Charlie. Like all of us he has his likes and dislikes, but rarely have I ever seen him go off in a cranky mood or dwell on the negative. But don’t get me wrong, he’s not shy about letting you know what he thinks.

The coach is not one for lengthy conversation. To him actions speak louder than words. "Just do it", that’s his mantra. I remember a couple of sessions we had back in the beginning. Coach Charlie, without saying a word mind you, went to great lengths to demonstrate an important lesson he really wanted me to get. I was too slow though and missed the point. I was still stuck in that place where I needed someone to explain it to me with words.

Unlike me, he’s a master of balance. He's keenly aware that engagement is paramount, yet it's crucial to know when to disengage and let it rest. All good things in due time. Method rules in his world. Not to imply he's regimented, just the opposite. Coach Charlie keeps himself extremely fit and alert by setting time aside everyday for play, contemplation, naps, adventure, study, meditation, and he never misses an opportunity for the simple pleasures of life, like a good meal, or affection.

He has that Zen childlike quality of being in the absolute moment. I aspire to be more like that, but I know I still think about things too much. His amazing genius is the ability to dance between the daily framework he's manifested to carry out his purpose and yet remains flexible and spontaneous. The process doesn't rule him and I truly admire that.

His dedication to me and my education is beyond moving. In fact, I kind of thought he would have given up on me some time ago, since I'm such a slow learner. Life is what it is, get over it. Coach Charlie taught me you can move mountains if you just get up everyday with a purpose and work the plan.

Well, in short, there you have it! Take consistent action with patience and persistence. Work with (and not against) the forces that exist around you. With a clear purpose, relentless commitment to the plan, and never losing site of that intended outcome, "You can accomplish anything!"

Thanks Coach... Thanks for your help, your guidance, and being there for me everyday. I appreciate it.

The Blackberry Chronicles
© ARFCO MEDIA 2010

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.

Comments (11)

John Michailidis
Real Property Management of Sarasota & Manatee - Sarasota, FL
Real Property Management of Sarasota & M

Excellent post!  Thank you for sharing it with us all Rene!

Feb 07, 2011 04:44 PM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Rene, we all need a coach in our lives like your Charlie... how much does he charge you? :D

In all honesty, I do believe we can learn from nature, animals, after all, we are also animals in nature. And thanks for the post, it truly is a great one!

Feb 07, 2011 10:14 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

John: Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Andrea: I should hire him out!

Feb 08, 2011 05:24 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

I think you are a great student of life. Observation is the most powerful teacher and tool. Best of all it costs nothing but pays huge dividends.

Feb 08, 2011 02:31 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Charles: Observation is certainly the most powerful teacher. Coach Charlie is a reminder of that for me...

Feb 08, 2011 06:54 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Rene, what a fantastic post. I love how you articulated this explanation of how you are motivated by Coach Charlie. We have three coaches and I have been telling Diane that they are my Role Models about not taking No Personally, Nor does that mean not to try again and again until we give in.....

Feb 09, 2011 12:22 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Endre... When I first got the idea I was thinking about the "test of wills"... Then I had an epiphany about what it was he was doing... training me with untold patience (most of the time) and I began to notice his consistent behavior as to the objective. I want to go outside first thing in the morning, when I come back in I want my bowl full and fresh water. When you get home in the evening I want to go out again, then when you let me in, I want to roll around on the floor and have you rub my tummy and play with me. Then before you go to bed I want to snuggle on the couch... He even had a weekend scenario. Once I realized what was going on I found it fascinating the lengths he'd go to to make sure I was getting the program! What a great lesson. For the most part he totally achieved his goals. Alas, my daughter picked him up this evening and it is time for me to take notice of my lessons and move on to what life has instore for me next. I'll miss Coach Charlie. As it were, he was one of the best teachers I've ever had.

Feb 09, 2011 01:15 PM
Rosi Green
AmeriTitle - Silverton, OR

YES!  Thanks for the post Rene' you are amazing and my friend and I miss you.  Hope to see you soon.  "With a clear purpose, a relentless commitment to the plan, and never losing site of the intended outcome, you can accomplish anything."

Feb 14, 2011 09:31 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Rosi... miss you guys too! Hope you're doing fabulous! Take care...

Feb 15, 2011 03:58 AM
Nicholas Christopher
Century 21 Rauh & Johns - Gloucester Twp, NJ
Communication Is Key

Great post. I can use a pick me up the past couple of weeks.

Apr 03, 2011 10:57 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Nicholas: Thanks... and thanks for stopping by... We can all use a 'pick me up' once in a while...

Apr 04, 2011 03:03 AM