Encouragement Plus Coaching

Assembling Your Team
For the Game of Life

By Don H. Morris Life Coach

In order to face life's challenges successfully you must rely on the support and expertise of a wide range of people. John Donne (1572-1631 CE) reminded us that "no man is an island, entire of itself."

Across your lifespan situations will arise for which you will need support or expert knowledge in order to live a happy, fulfilled life. But not everyone in your life is on your side. Many people just don't have any interest in you, while others are actively working against you. They are playing on the opposing team.

You can, however, pick who plays on your team! Give some thought to the people you need on your team, and start recruiting them now. Begin assembling your team, the people whom you can count on to "be on your side no matter what comes," by gathering around you a network of caring, loving friends and family members who can provide support. Pay special attention to nourishing your inner spirit as well.

Then recruit competent professionals who will be able to provide expert assistance in areas in which you can anticipate future needs. Life has a way of throwing curve balls, such as illnesses and legal difficulties, at all of us at times. It will be much harder to find a suitable team member if you wait until an emergency arises to establish a relationship.

Finally, you may have special needs that arise upon occasion. You can recruit team members for those roles, too.

Below is a list of some of the team members you will need to have on your side in the game of life.

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Essential Members^*

Your "Higher Power"

Your source of beauty, meaning, and purpose in life, whether or not you are a believer in a traditional religion. The emphasis is on nourishing the inner spirit rather than any particular religious activity.

Support Network

Friends, family members, and colleagues with whom you can share your ideas, thoughts, fears, and concerns.

Primary Care Physician

Dentist

Optometrist/Ophthalmologist

Attorney

Consulting an attorney is essential when starting a new business or other new venture. You should have a will, and keep it updated as circumstances change. You may also need the advice of an attorney for special needs, such as divorce, responding to a lawsuit, and granting someone the power of attorney to manage your affairs when you are unable to do so.

Accountant

Insurance Agent

Investment Consultant/Financial Planner

Tax Consultant

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Optional/As Needed

Specialist Physician/Dentist

Psychotherapist/Mental Health Counselor

Life Coach

Career Counselor/Advisor

Specialty Therapists

Speech, Physical, Occupational, Art/Music/Dance, etc.

Teacher/Professor

Tutor

Special Education Teacher

Rehabilitation Services

Minister/Spiritual Advisor

Creative Arts Teacher/Coach

Art, Music, Dance, Acting, Creative Writing, etc.

Sports Coach/Fitness Trainer

Nutritionist/Dietitian

Image Consultant

Wedding/Special Events Planner

Child Care Provider

Elder Care Provider

Adult Day Care Agency, Nursing Home, Home Health Service, etc.

Computer Specialists

Trainer in specific applications, Website Designer, etc.

Graphic Artist/Logo Designer

Interior Decorator

Architect/Home Designer

General Contractor

Landscaper/Gardener

Real Estate Agent

Travel Agent

Special Interest Trainer/Consultant

Scrapbooks, Photography, Cooking, Sewing, Pottery-making, etc.

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Other Team Members

Hair Stylist

Cosmetics Sales Representative

Veterinarian

Pet Trainer

Auto Mechanic

Plumber

Transportation Provider

Taxi, bus, chauffeur, commuter train, etc.

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Services

Computer Repair Service

Kennel/Pet Care Provider

Environmental Inspection Service

Lawn Care Service

Laundry Service/Dry Cleaners

Housekeeping/Home Cleaning

Catering Service

Printing/Copying Service

Home Repair Services

Roofing, Flooring, etc.

Security System Service

Locksmith Service

Florist

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Personalizing Your Team

And, of course, there are many other people you may want to have on your team. Add any others you can think of to this list. Leave off any you don't need. Remember, it's your team! Get the people you want and need!

^*NOTE:The same person can serve in more than one capacity. For example, an accountant may help you set up a financial record-keeping system and consult with you on your taxes. in addition, you may take the role of several different team members yourself. For example, you may keep your own financial records rather than hiring an accountant, or learn web design and set up your own Internet website. Be wary of the "do-it-yourself" trap, though. Often it is better to hire an expert than to do everything yourself. The key is to bring in a member of your team to provide appropriate assistance when you need it.

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