blog

At a particularly stressful period in my life Jim offered me sage wisdom and practical help (including charts and web resources!), which greatly reduced my anxiety. Bringing a second set of eyes to look at a problem works best when those eyes are visionary, widely read, and have a global perspective. Jim’s eyes score high in each of these areas; I encourage everyone to invite Jim’s eyes to look over your life challenges and gain from his wise perspective.

      Erik Johnson (Mediator and Marriage and Family Therapist), Bellingham, WA

I’d like to help you reduce your anxiety as well. Please contact me so we get the process moving forward: https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

This week I hit a double bonus: dental work and a general physical (“well check” seems to be the more current term). I can’t say I’m looking forward to either visit, but I know they are needed. The visit to the dentist is for action, to fix something, hopefully for the long term. The visit with my doctor is more to keep information up to date in hopes of continued health in the days ahead.

I understand that many procrastinate in both of these situations. Fear, schedule inconvenience, expense and forgetfulness are some common obstacles. Most of us know the risks and still have our habits of response. We know that by caring for ourselves in the present we increase the probability of a healthy future. Put off self-care and increase future problems.

Being proactive with our health care can help improve many aspects of our life directly and all of our life indirectly. In a similar way Coaching and Mentoring can meet many of our life needs in ways that have benefits in the current moment and for our future life and relationships.

Like my trip to the dentist this week, Coaching can help with situations that are in need of repair. Something may be out of balance and need attention. We can meet to review your current situation and map a strategy of response to enable the best ways to address the moment and to move toward a hoped for future.

Taking a cue from my appointment with the doctor there is value in check-ups, finding the baseline and setting goals for the future. Again, we can meet to address this possibility through Coaching and Mentoring. I can help you gain a sense of clarity of purpose and a hoped for future. Based on this work we can set a plan and coordinate resources that will help you move forward from strength.

When it comes to health care or life care we have a choice; we can be proactive and move toward the best or be reactive and take our chances. I’d like to help you make progress toward your best possible life. Let’s connect soon and explore the possibilities.

https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

Following are some supportive words that demonstrate how I can help people move beyond “normal” to find their best life:

Having mentored me throughout my 20’s and 30’s Jim challenged me to not settle for “normal”. He encouraged me to think beyond the “supposed to’s” and to realize that success is sometimes found by climbing down the ladder of success. Most often Jim did not only speak to me of these things but rather modeled, challenged, debated and walked through life with me pointing out signposts of people and books illustrating these things.

He also taught me humble-strong leadership caring deeply for the people he leads, taking regular time to encourage and acknowledge their strengthens as well as speaking to their weaknesses and helping them grow in these.

Jim is authentic, knowledgeable (in so many areas), and intuitive. I have seen him concisely and clearly speak into many lives and situations. I am grateful for the years of his influence in my life.

      MJ Richards, Non-profit Administrator, Al Hociema, Morocco, North Africa

Let’s get together and explore the possibilities that await you through Life Coaching or Leadership Mentoring:

https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

https://jimschmotzer.com/services/leadership-mentoring

Book review

Unscripted: Engaging life After College

By Thomas Brown,

Parson’s Porch Books, 2012

“With so many of the young adults I have worked with it has required them letting go of the one script they had written for themselves…”

In Unscripted: Engaging life After College Tommy Brown gives a gift to those near the end of their college days, those still in transition post-college and those who care for and work with them. Building upon his experience as a campus minister Tommy offers insight that is both compassionate and challenging.

Tommy opens using the idea of life scripts and how culture has shifted, while many are still trying to live by, if not force, the old scripts to keep working. The book provides insight into the intersection of cultural shifts, personal relationships, faith and realities that must be considered in navigating the new waters (Tommy loves the river images) of the transition from student life to the great beyond.

The book is helpful without being overly prescriptive. He didn’t replace the old, often inflexible script with a new trendier version of the same thing. The book, also, presents challenges without being overwhelming.

Having spent much of my last two decades walking alongside many young adults I find Tommy’s words fitting and helpful. I highly recommend this book for students, recent grads, parents, educators and friends of young adults.

And, please feel free to contact me for help navigating your Unscripted life seasons and transitions.

Here’s a link to purchase the book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unscripted-thomas-brown/1112136799

And another link to the publisher: http://www.parsonsporch.com/

The near twenty-year journey of our relationship as colleagues, brothers in Christ and as professionals is rich. Jim’s Spirit-filled character of authenticity and compassion is one that inspires, encourages, and enlightens relationships. Our paths professionally and personally have been graced with wisdom, humor, insight and focus. His friendship and guidance during my difficult transition was a soul-anchoring gift. I have observed and experienced his attentiveness to a person’s uniqueness and adapting conversations to meet each situation in a sensitive and compelling way. His commitment to help others towards a desired future does not go unnoticed. His insights in organizational effectiveness have helped me be a better leader. Jim will be an invaluable catalyst in helping individuals and organizations realize personal and corporate fulfillment and satisfaction.

      Greg Kanehen, Pastor & Police Chaplain, Marysville, WA

 https://jimschmotzer.com

Sarah Spitzer sent me this message related to my helping her with a significant:

Several months ago, I found myself at a crossroads with two paths that would take my life in very different directions. I only had a couple of days to decide and was feeling stressed and unsure of what I should do. Contacting Jim was one of the best things I could have done.  His sincere heart for serving, thought provoking questions, keen ear, and wisdom helped give me clarity to make a confident decision. He assisted me in determining what was preventing me from making a decision. I was and continue to be grateful for Jim’s gift of counsel.

     Sarah Spitzer, Brussels (Belgium) American School, ESL/French Teacher

Please contact me for help with decision making, direction setting and other life coaching help.

https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

For over a decade, it’s been a cinch to consider Jim Schmotzer as a mentor as I’ve navigated life, work, and my ongoing pursuit of music and art. Over the years, though my roles have been many (student, intern, receptionist, office manager, musician, songwriter and teacher), Jim has been a constant support and steady encourager through the seasons, changes, goal-setting and decision-making. Specifically, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by Jim as a musician in a band, a solo artist, and in my professional pursuits. In each case, and in every meeting with Jim, I gained new perspective, clear direction, and a hearty dose of hope. He has a way of shedding light on darkness, and a knack for making sense out of confusion. Without a doubt, his wisdom, coaching and patient way of encouraging movement forward has been a game-changer for me.

 Dana Little, Musician & Teacher, Seattle WA

To learn more about Dana and her music check out: http://www.danalittlemusic.com/

I have been fortunate to know Jim for nearly a decade since we met while I was a university student. During this time I benefited from meeting regularly with him as a mentor. Since graduating from college and moving on to a career, Jim and I continued to meet, less regularly, but every bit as intentionally. Jim is, and continues to be, one of the most naturally gifted listeners I have ever met. He is uniquely talented in his ability to not only listen intentionally, but also to help one’s decision-making using thoughtful questions. I have been so grateful for the gift of Jim’s gifts and wisdom during some of life’s greatest challenges, ranging from career choices and relationships to church involvement and education. I would recommend Jim as a contact for one’s own life questions without reservation.

     Ryan Pemberton, PR & Marketing professional, and current grad student at Duke Divinity

Click here for more information about decision making, problem solving, direction setting and other Life Coaching and Mentoring services with Jim: https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

What I appreciated most about Jim is that he places great emphasis on relationships. In many of my most trying times Jim has walked alongside me and offered advice and support that was individually tailored to what I needed in that moment. I can specifically recall when Jim helped me make a very important decision about a recent cardiac procedure that I needed to have. He used his knowledge of how I make decisions to help me feel peace in a very difficult situation. I am remarkably grateful for who Jim is in my life as both a mentor and a friend.

      Christine Everson, Teacher, Eastlake High School

I would like to help you with education, career and life direction and decisions. Please contact me so you can take the next steps forward: https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

One month from today I’ll be at the annual Vision and Call intern retreat sponsored by the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust http://www.murdock-trust.org/enrichment-programs/vision-call-internships.php. The gathering (at Cascades Camp, near Yelm, WA) will bring together ministry interns representing over twenty organizations from around the great Northwest for training and support. It is a privilege to be a part of the planning and program team for this event.