One year ago, I was ready for something new.
In fact, I’d been ready for a while…
I’d been coaching for a decade and a half and I’d worked with over 1000 clients in that time. I’d accomplished a lot in the field; I’d created many successful groups, programs, trainings, and delivered keynote talks at industry conferences. Doing what I do, I have been able to impact a lot of people’s lives in a positive way.
And that is a very cool thing…
While I am super proud of that fact, and that I’ve been able to create a life of freedom doing what I love, I’d fallen into a bit of a rut in my business. In short, I just wasn’t putting myself out there as much as I had in the past.
I do not think this was so much about sloth (though I was clearly coasting), as much as it was about clarity.
I’d been doing what I do for so long, that somewhere along the way, I lost my connection with where I was going.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
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How did this happen, I wondered? And more important, how did I get my sense of focus back?
I did not have an answer to the latter question. But as I thought about it, I got some insight to where I took my first steps off the path.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
Rejection[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
Let me back my story up for a moment.
Writing a book has always been a goal of mine. And so a couple years ago, I got moving on this front. I got an agent. I got my ideas together and wrote page after page of proposals and revisions.
After months of months of consuming work, I had editors of major publishers who believed in me, fighting for me to get a deal done. Everything looked good.
And then in a week, after running my ideas through their marketing departments, they dropped me cold.
Sorry. Bye… in an e-mail. My agent moved on as well.
I’d expended massive amounts of my energy writing hundreds of pages of material and trying to persuade these people that I belonged in their club. And in the end, they would not let me in.
This pissed me off, sure.
But as I look back now with a clearer eye, I can see how I allowed this experience to erode my confidence.
While I still knew I had a powerful message to offer people, the whispering began in the back of my mind…
Maybe I don’t have anything much to say?
Maybe nobody really cares…
Maybe I’ve been fooling myself this whole time…
Friends, readers, and family would ask me about my book and I would tell them my story as quickly as possible, trying not to stir up the sense of shame I felt at my failure.
While I did not want to admit it out of pride, I’d had the wind knocked out of me and some doubtful thoughts about myself. As a result, I just kind of began drifting along… doing what I’d done in the past, but not really sure where to direct my energy.
I found myself lacking something important; something I missed having — a clear destination.
So my life moved on in a sort of limbo. Everything was good, but I wanted more. I did my best to make peace with the uncertainty of it all and just wait for clarity.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
Inspiration Returns[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
So, back to last autumn…
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I traveled with my wife to a coaching and marketing event in Tuscon, AZ. While I used to attend such events all the time (in fact I met my wife at one), I’d not been to one in years. I’d just allowed myself to get out of the habit.
If you attend such events, or make the space in your life to surround yourself with like-minded people, you know the power of putting yourself in such environments.
I met with many vibrant people over the next few days. People who were up to something. People who had a clear direction.
And the seed of inspiration taking root within me again. I wanted my old fire back. I wanted to feel focused again.
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Returning from the desert, I felt the old spark of inspiration stirring, and I wanted it to catch flame.
I knew how I wanted to feel: I wanted to feel clear in my direction and clear in my message. I wanted to have everything that I do and offer to fit under a unified, authentic brand. I wanted things to be simple.
I knew what I wanted, but I did not know how to get there.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
The Leap[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
Ready for the answers to the questions I’d been asking myself, I made a decision. I leaped.
I bucked up and invested in myself. In a big way.
Following the advice I’d doled out for years, I hired someone to coach me and to help me see everything I was missing.
While it all felt risky, I knew I wasn’t really buying my coach with my money. I was buying something better.
I was buying me. I was buying clarity. I was buying direction.
We would begin our coaching in the new year.
In the meantime…
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As Christmas rolled around, Karin informed me that I was to be a father.
Best. Christmas. Present. Ever.
Among the sounds of celebratory champagne glasses clinking, I heard the unmistakable TICK TOCK of a clock in the background.
With a baby on the way, we were playing for “keepsies” now. I needed to get clear and get going. Now.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
The Power of Permission[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]I flew out to Vegas and met with my coach in March. I told him what I wanted from our meeting… the clarity, the direction, the brand.
Very quickly I began telling him my thoughts. I told him about my vision for Very Cool Life and the principles behind the concept.
I told him my story about how I’ve seen the world in this particular way since I was a little boy…
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With the benefit of hindsight, I can now see what I really wanted from my coach that day.
I wanted his permission.
I wanted someone with no emotional attachment to my vision (and tremendous experience with marketing and brands) to give me his blessing. This sounds weird to me too, but after my experience with the big-time publishing world, this is the real reason I was sitting in his office.
This is my story. It’s all true. Can this be my brand? Pretty please?
Seven words from my coach (“I think you could totally do this”) and the dam cracked open. The doubts that I’d been carrying with me just disintegrated. I could see where I wanted to go again.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]I finished the outline for my new book (I needed to start fresh) before my plane landed in New York State.
Within two months, I had completed writing it.
Most important, I really liked what I created. I found the more wrote, the clearer my thoughts became and the tighter my message.
In fact, I discovered that I had more than a book; I had entire system to share with people.
And so I continued creating…
In the meantime,
With my son due at the end of the summer, I got into serious nesting mode.
I was possessed.
Energized by my newfound clarity, I began upgrading all of my environments (one of my messages in my book, The Very Cool Life Code: The 7 Keys for Unlocking a Life of Freedom, Ease and Connection).
I painted my entire house, including the garage. I cleaned out my office, throwing out old clients files and training tools I’d invested thousands on in the past. If it did not fit my new direction, it went in the dumpster. I literally threw out over a ton of stuff.
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[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]I spent weeks sorting through everything I owned. I touched every thing in my possession and evaluated its place in my life. I organized every computer file, I destroyed old ideas.
(I highly recommend this experience, but it is A LOT of work!)
The more I cleared, the clearer everything became. For the first time in my life, I had the ability and the desire to sit and plan out my upcoming year. The clarity was giving birth to feelings of simplicity.
With all my intense inward focus, I did not have much extra personal RAM. I was not connecting with my e-mail list much, and only throwing out the occasional blog post.
I hoped you’d wait for me. And I’d like to invite you to stick with me… because the best is yet to come![widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
Two Babies[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]My son Alex was born at the end of the summer.
Getting into the impact of that experience would turn this into an even longer post without scratching the surface. So I’ll just say it was very, very cool.
At the same time, my other baby emerged into the world.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]All the materials and planning for my program’s release are in the final stages. Turns out, writing the book is the easiest part. Putting everything together for a proper launch is quite an undertaking. Graphic design, websites, trademarks, recordings, videos… Massive!
(To give you a sneak preview, my new program is called The Very Cool Life™ Total Freedom System. It comes with three different books , 12 audio CDs, and will be supported by live gatherings — think Florida beach in February and gorgeous Vermont in the summer — and an awesome online community.)
Obviously, you can expect to hear more about the launch and such in the days ahead.
I’m very proud of what’s been created over the past year of my life and eager to share it with you…[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
New Light
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[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]And so, this about wraps up my little (long) update.
Confusion to Decision to Rebirth.
I love the way clarity feels.
And focus.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]Life is deeper and fuller than ever before. New dimensions. With more every day.
I like it all.[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]
[widget id=”text-9″]text-9[/widget]I’ll be in touch soon and I hope your life feels very cool!
YAHOO Drew,
You felt that a change was needed and you took the time to work your way through all the confusion to get to clarity AND NOW look what you have created for yourself and your family!! Congratulations for taking the first step and for all the steps that you took after that too. There is more and I can’t wait to see what you bring to your life and to all of our lives too!! Thank you.
Anne Ryan
Hey Drew,
Congratulations on everything! I love hearing about your journey, and the excitement that is possessing you now, with so many things to look forward to, on various fronts.
Will we be seeing you soon on Oprah, The Today show, etc? I will be watching, listening, and cheering you on, wherever I hear your name, and your book’s name. Good luck with the continuing saga….
Best Always,
Debbie
@Debbie Grattan: thanks Debbie! i appreciate it… as for the TV shows, none of that is part of my plan. we’ll see where it all goes though! thanks for all of your kind words! — d
got no words buddy, just a great big smile and lots of love.
x0
Congratulations! What an amazing achievement!
Great post Drew Meister… perfect timing for me. Just at the point of NEEDING to re-evaluate my self.
Long story short – 3 years ago Senior Director in company, job disappears. Self employed. Credit Crunch (a few businesses unable to pay – going bust)… Could not get employment even as a ‘junior’…. But just on the roll of de-clutter, and starting again. FEELS GOOD
Thanks for the encouragement.
@Richard Shaw: thanks Richard. i like the Meister… 🙂
whatever you are asking for, it is given to you.
the path is there
feeling good is the key to seeing it.
all the best,
d
Congrats on your beautiful family! And thank you for sharing your journey through a cluttered world into one of clarity and direction. Nice to see how you work through something like that. It helps me trust your message. 🙂
@Elaine: hi Elaine… funny, reading your comment (about what i wrote), i can really see how cluttered things felt. and i just got used to the clutter, mental and physical. cleaning everything out was key. and thanks for the encouragement. — d
hi drew,
i thought of you today and now i know why 🙂
beautiful writing
beautiful boy
beautiful beginnings….
congratulations on all of it!
love always,
ann
Hi Drew!
Congratulations to you and Karen!!!! I am delighted to hear of your good news.
Enjoy it all.
Lots of love to all 3 of you 🙂
D
Hi Drew! Thank you for sharing yourself so intimately with us. It’s so inspiring to hear (and see) the real you behind the scenes. You have so much to share… and I, for one, am so grateful you’re sharing it 🙂
Warmly,
Heather
Drew!!
How awesome to hear from you!
This little piece is RANK with such intensity and passion as I’ve not yet experienced from you. It’s breathtaking news to say the least, this re-connection to your ultimate purpose, and its associated yields. I want a copy of your book!
Fall has traditionally been when we see some of your best stuff – I expected to be hearing from you, honestly, but the explosion of exciting promise is mind blowing.
Your story is much appreciated by me for some of its other qualities – integrity and honesty. Many have seen their personal journeys take them into some very deep and wide valleys, before the rise to the glorious peaks can happen, right? But for someone in your position of ultimate life guide and inspirational teacher, there can be a tendency to allow the ego to hide the lower points of one’s experience for fear of being perceived as less than effective in the role of mentor.
On the contrary, you have only increased my trust and faith in you, and in your abundant gift for serving others.
I am so proud that I can say, “I knew him when….”!
Thank you, always, for being You.
Much love to you and your family!
barb
@barb glover: Barb, as i read your comment, the sun is rising over the mountains here and little tears have appeared in my eyes.
i had been thinking about what to write for a long time. i have two or three newsletters that i wrote and never sent. just didn’t resonate with me to keep doing what i was doing.
and the other day, i was hit with the inspiration to share my story with my pictures.
felt good to create. and getting messages like your make me feel connected in such a wonderful way…
much, much love to you!
drew
Drew – what an amazing update! To you and Karin, we couldn’t be happier for you! Being a parent is a wild, wild ride! And your book, program, etc. sounds super. You are an inspiration! Lots of love from Kris, Joe and Ruby
@Kris Wilkinson Hughes: Kris, part of my clutter reduction was to take every recording i own and put in on my iPod. love having everything portable and at my fingertips…
love to put it on shuffle…
i tell you this because i always love to hear your voice show up through my headphones…
much love to your whole family (am searching for photos of Ruby! 🙂
— d
Awesome update, Drew! Very inspiring and exciting to read this. Congratulations on this huge accomplishment. I love the sound of the whole concept.
Drew,
I just loved reading your post. I believe the Universe truly rewards those who follow their own unique path. Wishing you much joy with both your babies!
Thank you for sharing this. It was very inspiring. Gerri
Wow! What fantastic and beautiful photos, especially of Karen and your son. Thank you so much for sharing. I loved the post and I know Alex is one of the more fortunate ones to have parents like you. Congratulations on so many counts.
@Susan Wight: thanks Susan — and i appreciate you noticing the photos! 🙂 — d
Looks just like you, Drew.
There is no greater accomplishment in life than to raise a productive citizen — this has been a saying of mine for years. I am one whom God did not see fit to grace with children, though I am blessed with a great life that would have been very, very different if I had been a mother; and I have had the blessing of sharing other people’s children. So you have to know that statement comes from the heart.
I think I live a pretty cool life, but have never had the guts to put myself out there to share a path to coolness with others, other than by example and friendship.
So here’s to you for putting yourself out there once again in this way. Best of luck, but you won’t need it, with either child.
@Linda Vintro: hi Linda — i very much appreciate your heartfelt message…
when i launch everything in the next month, if you resonate with what i put out there, i hope you’ll decide to share the path.
that’s really the heart of what i am creating… not a book.
anyway, thanks so much for sharing yourself here. took some guts!
d
Thanks for the feedback, Drew,
Appreciate your new sense of direction, and enjoy your spirit of renewal.
As a newly (well, 2 years now) retired person, I am enjoying the chance to redirect my own energies toward my own goals, rather than those bestowed by my employers, and using the freedom of time to follow my own path.
I really enjoy you!
Congratulations on the new babies, literal and figurative.
Thanks,
Jim
Dear Drew! “CONGRATULATIONS” isn’t big enough! “BLESSINGS ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY” just barely touches how thrilled I am for you! Nothing will ever be the same and it will be wonderful. Thanks too for taking this step of the end of the pavement into the garden of possibilities – you did it for me too – your post comes just in time for me to see that what I am missing is the clarity that opens the way ahead, that makes momentum possible. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to know more about ALL your adventures!
@Bobbie Heyman: hi Bobbie — thanks. and you noticed my theme of clarity, huh? 🙂
that’s what this was all about… being able to see again.
for me, it all came back when i began to make decisions.
keep asking for clarity and make the decisions that follow the truth of your feelings and the vision reveals itself…
many thanks!
d
Thank you for sharing all the details. Great to hear the entire story and to know that everyone can have a need for renewal. I am there myself and your story has helped me start my recommitting to an entirely cool life. Funny enough, my closets and garage have hit the breaking point of full. Hmmm. What may happen when I decide to clean them out?? Can’t wait to read the book!
Congratualations on both babies! Both are beautiful creations.
This is a great story. Congratulations and your book looks well…very cool!
The Buddhists say “When the student is ready, the teacher will come”. I have been blessed by many good teachers and certainly, you are one. I am on the other end of life (a grandmother of 5), am still working and loving what I do, spend 6 months in wonderful Vermont and the other 6 in a beautiful area of PA. I am a week away from transitioning back to PA and today was feeling a little dull and “Is that all there is?” Your post has caused me to think about what else there is within me that needs to be expressed. I don’t know the answer yet but I feel hopeful that it is in process. Thank you for firing up my thinking, and I eagerly awake the birth of your second “baby”. BTW, the first one is adorable!!
@Kevyn Malloy: thank you Kevyn! there’s always more. we just need to remember to ask!
will be doing a long weekend on all this material in Burlington next summer. maybe we’ll see you there!
warmest,
drew
Wow Drew !
I love what you are creating and how you are sharing your journey with us.
It is so real and vulnerable and ON Fire!
Thanks also for sharing your photo’s….little Alex looks just like you!
Rock on!
Leah
@Leah: thanks so much, Leah… i very much appreciate your thoughts and support!
Hey Drew,
So happy to hear the fire is BACK. I know both sides of the coin and you are definitely on the better, more happier side (but you know that). It’s been a while since we have had our “breakfast calls” so perhaps we can get back to that place as well. It’s 65 degrees here today, so it’s cold : )
You are back, and that is that!
Dubs….
@Warren Weitzman: Dubs… forgot to tell you, but you take up a few pages of my book. how you impacted my life in a positive way… i probably should have asked because i use your real name, but it’s too late now 🙂
i’m guessing you’ll like it!
Drew —
What a beautiful, heartfelt and touching tribute to your family and your self. It’s inspiring to me to read about your journey of self-discovery — you’ve always been such a guide and mentor for me, it’s good to learn that you aren’t always so self-possessed and on-top of everything. Makes me feel that my doubts and soul-searching are a normal part of life and give me the courage and inspiration to go on. Thank you for being you, and for sharing so deeply and intimately of yourself. I can wait for the next chapter!
Much love to you, Karin & Alex.
Joan
@Joan Schramm: hey Joan! no, it’s not all sunshine and puppy dogs… not to say that things ever get that “bad,” but the uncertainty and lack of momentum i felt did not feel good.
at the same time, i kept the faith that because i was asking for clarity in such a big way, that it would come when i allowed it.
it took a while, but when i allowed it in, it’s been really remarkable to watch things i’ve been asking for for so long just appear.
but that’s a whole ‘nother story…
thanks for your warm thoughts and support…
much love and appreciation to you,
d, k, and little a (he’s almost ready to fit into your little shirt!)
lovely, all of it
Wow. Thank you.
Congratulation! you gave me inspiration on starting to clean out my clutter.
I was nice reading all the things you have been doing. Your baby Alex is beautiful. Enjoy!!
Keep up the good work.
Regards.
Valerie.
Drew,
You have provided inspiration to me over the course of 8 years now… I’ve been an observer of your journey… and shared many “common” hills and valleys along the way. Your posts are always timely for me… and this one is a great one. Congratulations my friend and mentor… fatherhood and your book… very cool. ;0)
Monty Winters
Drew – congrats on the birth of both ‘babies’ … look forward to hearing more about both. The fact that you are sharing what you’ve gone thru to get to where you are is one of the many reasons you are a great coach!
Blessings –
laurie
Damn Drew, I’m out of breath reading that but I loved it. What a great period of intense introspection and cleansing (and nesting). And a colossal resulting output. Where can I buy the book?
Most importantly, Karin and Alex look wonderful. You are blessed!
Jeff
Thanks Drew for sharing your courageous journey in following your truth. I feel close to a major overhaul myself – Your story serves as a lighthouse for me.
Hi Drew congratukatuon on both your new babies, my daughter has been my greatest gift and I wish too write more. Your ‘journey’ will inspire me to keep moving forward in that direction Thank you for sharing
Hi Drew many congratulations to you and Karen on the birth of Alex – he’s beautiful.
Wow I can’t wait to read the book. You rock mister! Jan
Drew…..another inspiring account of how to break back into a Very Cool Life. Congrats to you and your family for being able to live it together!
In Joy,
Kate
Timing is everything…de-cluttering myself. Awesome to hear about your results. Beautiful baby, congrats!
That was beautiful – I think I need to read and re-read this once a week!
This is a fabulous post! I can feel your energy, enthusiasm, and your passion reach through the post directly to me! I definately resonate with the clearing out of old, reorganizing, and nesting to make the space for the new, exciting, and inevitable best! Thanks so much for sharing, you continue to inspire me as I’ve been receiving your posts for 10 years now. I continue on my own journey as well…
Thank you! And the very best to you and your beautiful family…your boy is gorgeous!
Holy moly, this post was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. One of your best ever. I am so looking forward to the finished packaged of your new system. The cover is stunning! Not to mention that beautiful baby who is even more stunning! Thanks for sharing with all of us… you are the best!
Fantastic, Drew! Wonderful news, wonderful message.
So glad to hear that you’ve leapt. I’m getting ready to do the same. I’m feeling a bit like a caterpillar getting ready to go into her cocoon. (My cocoon will be a 5 day conference/workshop/cruise, starting tomorrow!) Once I emerge as a butterfly, you’ll be hearing from me again, too. 🙂
The before/after pictures of your deck made me sigh happily. What a perfect illustration of the physical and mental clarity that comes from that nesting phase. I loved seeing them and imagining my own mind (and house!) going through that evolution from dingy, dirty and less than useful to clear, beautiful, and efficient. Not sure if this post quite captures thoughts and feelings on the issue, but it’ll do.
Much love to you and your family. I can’t wait to read your new baby. 🙂
Drew and Karen;
It’s been a very long time; congratulations to you both on the birth of your son and for your book. Best, Suzanne Marshall
Holy shit Drew that totally rocked! I LOVE your writing – I love your story – I love your energy! And I love your gorgeous wife and bub too – you guys fill my heart with gladness.
As ever, I am inspired by your example to birth my own babies 🙂
lots and lots of love
Zoe
i LOVED reading your story. thank you for sharing all of it with us. it stirs up my creative fire deep within that’s been lying dormant for a good long while. i have to concur with your brother. neddy nailed it…”lovely, all of it.” 🙂
loving congrats my friend – this thing called life is awesome – hang on & enjoy the ride you’ve chosen (& share some of my love with Karin & Alex too :))
Dear Drew, I am so excited for you. Your son is absolutely the cutest child I ever saw and your book – you are such a great writer that I say “It’s about time!”
I still follow your financial advice from your ebook & continue to have different bank accounts for different purposes. It works!
I am enjoying my jeweller class so much. It still surprises me that I found my way to here…and you definitely helped me with that. I have to say it makes me pretty happy.
Anyway, much love to you and your family.
Peace & Love
Carolyn