As I look back I can see that she seems to blend her skills of listening, asking powerful questions, sharing insights, and what I can only call intuition -in helping me develop my own insights, solutions and strategies.

Shawn S. Kasserman, Illinois State Bar Association President

Read the full testimonial below or download a PDF of the Illinois Bar Journal here.

Being the Best You Can Be

The cat is out of the bag. The silliness of that statement rings true to me as I type it, but the truth is that I recently revealed to a reporter that I rely heavily on a life coach. There is a part of me that hoped my turning to a coach would be my secret and only my benefit. The truth is that in opening up about my experience, perhaps my fellow ISBA members will reap the rewards I have found in adding this tool to my life.

My coach has helped me develop, foster, implement and incorporate insights, solutions and strategies that have enhanced my life. As I look back I can see that she seems to blend her skills of listening, asking powerful questions, sharing insights, and what I can only call intuition -in helping me develop my own insights, solutions and strategies.

One of the most important skills my coach has helped me discover and develop is to identify my self limiting beliefs so that they don’t control me. I was “last year’s old” before I actually had the insight to see and hear an inner voice that at times kept me “playing small” away from my dreams and fullest potential. I began to recognize how this defense mechanism felt protective but in reality was limiting my choices, joy and ability to live my fullest dreams.

Instead my coach taught me how to identify my real values. Personal and professional values that make me…me. Listing these identifying qualities required me to sit down and think through what is truly important to me. This process started out awkward, but eventually became more natural as I allowed myself to slow down and focus on what I truly value. The result? A list of focused values which reflect who Shawn Kasserman truly is….or hopes to be.

After reflecting on these qualities that I identify as important, I took a hard look at all of the roles I live in life. A husband and father, advocate, leader, friend and individual to list a few. With the help of my coach and a lot hard work I have learned to be better at living my life in accordance with what I truly feel is important, instead of being driven by other people’s agendas, emergencies and even my own fears.

Perhaps the most surprising lesson that I have learned during my time with my coach is the importance of being vulnerable. The willingness and ability to truly be honest with myself and others about what I feel, see, think and want. Vulnerability was something I shunned in the past as a sign of weakness. What I learned is that in embracing my own vulnerability I am better able to identify my honest feelings, communicate more effectively and actually foster a closeness and trust that enhances life for me and those around me. Writing this message is an attempt by your ISBA President to show vulnerability. My hope is that this honest sharing of my experience will benefit all those members who took the time to read this column.

There are many forms of coaching. From professional relationships to fostering a regular meeting with a mentor. I urge you to find what works for you and if I can help you get to the right person, I would be delighted to share more of my experiences with you.

Have a great month!