I did not choose a name until the next day while driving the four hours to get back home. She had planted the seed of naming my company. She had set me back into forward motion. She had simply stated her undying faith in me, carried my dream for me, continued forward with my dream when I did not think I could, and then handed it back to me when I wasn’t even looking. She expected me to live up to my best. She never doubted that I would keep moving forward and succeed.

Not only had I picked my dream back up, I had named the thing! I couldn’t wait to get home because my next three or four steps were laid out for me. I had to register my business name with the state, print up business cards, and start doing trademark research. I couldn’t wait to get back to work! Jen’s the best cheerleader.

Originally, I had not thought to include the idea of a personal coach in with the concept of cheerleaders. Now that I’ve chewed on it for a while, I think of them as professional cheerleaders. You may or may not feel unconditional love from them like you would a personal friend or relative, but they are making their living at being really awesome cheerleaders. They are paid to give you rah rah speeches and to have clever ideas and such to help you when you hit those down times while on the road to living out your dreams. Personal coaches can definitely be of help. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, so shop wisely.

Even if you only have one cheerleader in your corner, know that they are perhaps your most valuable resource when battling against fear. Your cheerleader will carry your vision for you when you can’t see it clearly. Your cheerleader believes in you with or without your goals. Your cheerleader holds you accountable for your life. Your cheerleader will let you give your goals voice until you get used to hearing it said out loud to others.

Thank your cheerleaders by returning the favor. You can cheer them on with their goals and dreams too. What greater way is there to say “thank you” or “I love you,’ then to be someone’s cheerleader?

This article was adapted from a segment of Beyond the Inner-Critic by Skye Thomas, copyright 2003.

About The Author

Skye Thomas began writing books and articles with an everyday practical approach to spirituality, motivation, and inspiration in 1999 after twenty years of studying spirituality, metaphysics, motivation, and parenting. More of her articles can be found at www.tomorrowsedge.net as well as free previews of her books.

skye@tomorrowsedge.net