New Horizon Persuasive Speech

As the legendary Irish writer and spiritual teacher, John O'Donohue says in his essay, Beginnings: "Beginnings are new horizons that want to be seen... Somehow, they win clearance and become fiercely free of the grip of the past. What is the new horizon in you that wants to be seen?"

I find the passion of his demand, "What is the new horizon in you that wants to be seen?" very resonant with reasons I've noticed that bring people to coaching. First, there is the new horizon itself-- a vision or hope of a new, more expanded way of working or relating or integrating their lives.

But it's not enough to feel that there's a new horizon opening within you. You must also "become fiercely free of the grip of the past." This is not so easy, because our lives are based on habitual ways of thinking, feeling, and doing that allow us to feel safe, connected, and accepted. To be "free of the grip of the past" means that you have to be present to what you're really feeling. You have to be ready to focus your energy on what truly motivates you, and let go of old, inner messages that say you must stay only with what you have known or done. You have to learn to become conscious of what really motivates you to go forward with your work-- and your whole life.

Include everything that's important to you-- what you'll be doing, who's in charge, your work environment and colleagues, hours of work, how you feel engaged. How motivated do you feel to move in this direction?

• Find someone who is a good listener and cares for your best interests, but has no attachment to any decision you make in your life. Share your vision for a new career, even if not yet complete, with the passion and fears you feel. Feel what it's like to have your dream completely