I first met Eve Siegel in 2007 when we were both in the same Coaching Certification group through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). The entire 6-month program was facilitated over the phone so I only knew Eve through her voice- which is exceptionally lovely and pleasant to listen to.  We stayed in touch over the years, supporting each other’s coaching practices and even utilizing each other as coaches in our businesses.  Recently Eve wrote a book called, Success With Soul—Loving Your Livelihood, Living in Balance.  I read it because the thing about Eve is every book she has ever recommended to me, I have loved so it stood to reason that her own work would be awesome- and it is.  Read more about Eve and her book below:

“I am a certified life coach and was in the same certification group as Suzanne with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in 2007.  I support professionals in career transitions who want to create new ways of living that are rich, sustainable, and engaged with livelihood they love, caring relationships, creativity, self-awareness, enjoyment, and well-being.  My unique contribution to coaching is the combination of coaching with my more than 20 years’ experience as a somatic therapist, which lets me help people learn to make new choices using awareness of their body’s energy as a guide.

You see, I know what it’s like to work in ways that are unsatisfying- and to feel that perhaps you’ll never find a career you love.  And I know how wonderful it is to find the right livelihood for who you really are!  I feel fulfilled when I see people I’ve worked with find a new way of working that matters to them, because then their whole lives start to realign into something they’re glad to wake up to every day.”

Through my work I have discovered 3 tips that are vital to creating a more fulfilling and authentic way to work/live:

–  Pay attention to your body’s energy level.  Do three things a day that lift your energy.

–  Imagine yourself on the last day of your life, about to die, but mentally clear.  Then consider:  What things would you regret not having done?  Which challenges did you meet that made your life more fulfilling?

–  Think of two people you know or have read about who led fulfilling lives.  What are the traits you admire in them?  How did they transform difficulties into new possibilities? How did they achieve fulfillment in their work and their whole lives?

Suzanne asked me what I love about being a coach.  There are many things, but what I love the most are the skills I’ve developed to help anyone who’s sincerely motivated to change be able to do that.  I love having work that feels like just the right fit for me– work that lets me grow and evolve into more and more of who I really am.

I know what it’s like to radically transform one’s working life.  In fact, the biggest change I’ve made so far in my life was definitely my move from working as a director of nonprofit educational programs to becoming a somatic therapist.  I’ve described this huge shift in direction in chapter one of my book, Success with Soul– Loving Your Livelihood, Living in Balance.  Basically, I changed gears from managing programs to direct work with people using somatic techniques to help them feel body sensations as a deeper way of making positive, authentic changes in their lives.  My coaching training later taught me how to help people make the change process more quickly while still using body-energy awareness.

After six years of coaching, I had a body of writing from my blog posts that I could see as the basis for a book.  I thought it would be interesting for people to read about the different aspects involved in making important life changes.  People tend to think that creating change involves setting goals based on what you’ve already done or studied or trained in. However, I have seen that making a radical shift in how you work and live requires a new vision of what you want, the courage to pursue it in spite of your fears, and a strong desire to live authentically and successfully, according to your lights.  My book highlights how coaching can be a vital resource in helping you build the confidence you need to go forward in new directions that inspire you NOW.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some of the responses I’ve had from those who have read my book, including a young Swedish actress and singer who told me my book convinced her that it was time to move to New York City and audition for Broadway productions! 

Finally, as coaches, we are challenged to reflect in our own lives the beliefs we advocate for others. In my own life I have a natural feel for balance, and therefore make time for my close relationships (my husband, my Swedish goddaughters, good friends), physical activity (swimming, biking, walking), healthy meals, free time (for reading, writing, loafing, etc.), cultural activities (film, opera), travel, and engaging in community activities.

It is definitely possible to love your work and be inspired every day.  I hope you love your work – and if you don’t, then I hope you’ll consider reading my book.  May it help light your way.”

As you can see, Eve is a kindred spirit- and I feel lucky to have her in my life.  I recommend her book to everyone- especially those who want to find more meaning and purpose in their lives and in their work.  Feel free to contact Eve. Eve is also the featured teacher in our Transforming Your Fear into Success in your Work and Your Life series.