In this interview, we delve into a conversation with Todd Baker, a mindset/personal development coach dedicated to helping individuals break free from the status quo and live their best lives. Todd shares his approach to guiding individuals, primarily aged 35 to 55, who feel stuck in repetitive routines and yearn for more. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from an external motivation mindset to an internal inspiration mindset, facilitating a transformative journey toward setting and achieving meaningful goals. Throughout the interview, Todd dispels myths about coaching, highlights the benefits of his guidance, and shares a powerful example of a client’s transformation. His insights shed light on the profound impact mindset shifts can have on personal growth, fulfillment, and the pursuit of one’s aspirations.
Who do you help and how?
I help individuals, typically aged 35 to 55, who are already successful but feel stuck in a repetitive routine. They have families and want more from life but are unsure how to achieve it. My focus is on facilitating a mindset change from external motivation to internal inspiration, helping them gain clarity, set goals, and achieve them.
The impact of our work extends beyond the specific goals individuals set. Whether their focus is on health, wealth, or relationships, as they make progress, they begin to see positive changes in other areas of their life as well. For example, someone focused on wealth may experience improvements in their health or deepen their connections with loved ones through meaningful conversations. Our ultimate aim is to empower individuals to live their best life on their terms, breaking free from self-limiting beliefs, regaining control, and steering their lives according to their desires rather than conforming to societal expectations.
What are the benefits of working with you?
Working with me brings about a profound mindset change. Rather than focusing on short-term resolutions that often result in failure or lack of follow-through, we adopt a lifetime perspective. This shift allows individuals to see beyond immediate goals and embrace a more sustainable approach.
Another benefit is the discovery of one’s true underlying motivations, the “why” behind their goals. Through our process, we delve deep into understanding why achieving certain objectives, such as getting in shape or improving relationships with children, truly matters to them. By uncovering these intrinsic motivations, individuals ignite an inner fire and develop a strong sense of personal accountability.
Furthermore, there is a sense of camaraderie and connection among participants in our one-to-eight-week course. People have the opportunity to share their stories, challenges, and successes, finding common ground and providing valuable support and inspiration to one another. Unlike traditional goal-setting approaches, we emphasize the significance of understanding why a goal is important and what success truly means to each individual. This personalized approach allows participants to define their finish line and vision of success.
However, the most significant benefit lies in the transformative experience individuals undergo. I have witnessed remarkable changes in participants who, within just a few weeks, undergo a complete shift in their mindset. Their goals evolve from something they merely pursue to something they embody. This shift in mindset boosts their confidence, leading to changes in posture, energy, and overall presence. They become more attuned to new opportunities, adopting a proactive and forward-thinking mindset. The impact is truly remarkable, as they carry themselves differently and actively seek out new accomplishments and goals. They are ready to carve their path and create a future aligned with their unique aspirations.
What are the biggest myths about the help you offer?
There are a few common myths surrounding the type of help I offer. One is the misconception that all development coaches provide generic guidance and that individuals can achieve their goals on their own with a simple worksheet or a general direction. While some people can succeed independently, most individuals seeking help have reached a point of dissatisfaction and recognize the need for support and guidance.
Another myth is the belief that only well-known figures like Tony Robbins or Dean Graziosi can offer valuable guidance. The truth is that the impact and value of my guidance are just as significant as any renowned name in the industry. It’s important to look beyond popularity and recognize the value of personalized support.
Additionally, there is a misconception that coaching programs are solely profit-driven, and coaches are solely interested in making money. In reality, my primary goal is to genuinely help people improve their lives. Before enrolling someone in the program, I have an initial call to assess if we are the right fit. If I believe the program won’t benefit them or if we’re not a match, I won’t offer them the program. I always prioritize the individual’s best interests and will direct them to other resources if needed.
It’s crucial to address the hesitations individuals may have about seeking help, especially when it comes to personal goals. Some may feel uneasy or uncomfortable involving someone else in their journey. However, individuals have the freedom to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with during our conversations. Their privacy is respected, and their personal aspirations remain the focus.
It’s worth noting that many successful people in the world have coaches, including myself. Engaging with a coach brings new perspectives and helps individuals navigate challenges more effectively. It takes courage to acknowledge the need for help, but once individuals commit to the process, they become responsible for taking action. While I can provide guidance, support, and a path forward, the actual work and effort must come from the individuals themselves. They must take ownership of their goals and put in the necessary effort to achieve them. Taking the initial step of reaching out and saying, “I need help,” sets the stage for a transformative journey towards positive change.
What prevents people from seeking help from a coach?
Various personal challenges often hinder individuals from seeking help from a coach. Some common obstacles include the fear of reaching out for coaching, the hesitation to admit they are struggling, and the fear of failure. Fear of failure is a significant factor, as people worry about what might happen if they try coaching and don’t achieve the desired results. There is also the fear of success, where individuals may be apprehensive about the responsibilities and expectations that come with achieving their goals.
Comfort is another roadblock, where individuals feel content with their current lives and are resistant to change. If they are genuinely happy and see no need for improvement, they may not feel motivated to seek assistance. Additionally, setting small goals can limit progress. Shifting the focus from short-term goals to long-term aspirations is crucial in helping individuals realize the full potential of their journey.
To address these fears and barriers, I often share personal examples from my own experiences. For instance, I share my journey of walking every day in 2020, which was inspired not solely by weight loss but by wanting to be active with my children and prioritize overall fitness and health. I help individuals understand the value of investing in themselves as the most significant and rewarding investment they can make in life.
When addressing fears, I encourage individuals to consider the potential positive outcomes. It’s natural to feel afraid when embarking on something new, and thoughts of potential failure may arise. However, I guide them to reflect on the possibilities of success. What if they achieve all the things they desire in life, reach their high-level goals, and experience personal fulfillment? On the other hand, if they allow fear to hold them back and choose not to take action, they will remain in the same unsatisfying life they were unhappy with before. I emphasize that investing in oneself is not a cost but a valuable investment for personal growth and fulfillment.
Can you provide a specific example of a benefit and outcome resulting from working with you?
Certainly! Let me share a specific example of someone I worked with. This individual reached out to me after experiencing negative impacts from the COVID pandemic, including weight gain. During our conversation, he revealed that he had three sons who were all involved in baseball, and he had been their coach throughout their childhood. Now, with his first grandchild on the way, he expressed a strong desire to be able to play baseball and coach his grandson effectively. However, his physical condition was hindering his ability to do so.
We shifted our focus from just weight loss to his inspiration of coaching his first grandchild in baseball. Together, we developed a plan that involved working with a physical trainer twice a week and dedicating the remaining days to his workouts. Throughout the eight-week program, I provided ongoing support and guidance to ensure he stayed on track with his fitness goals.
During and after the program, he experienced significant progress and felt incredible. While he had further goals in mind, he had already achieved substantial improvements in his physical fitness. The key factor was his deep connection to his grandson and the strong desire to coach him in baseball. This motivation empowered him to take ownership of his health and fitness journey.
Fast forward a couple of years and his grandson is now two years old. He has continued prioritizing his health and fitness, maintaining a consistent workout routine of about five to six days a week. He no longer requires a physical trainer but has established a self-sustaining regimen that keeps him active and fit. When I recently saw him, it was evident that he had put in the effort and dedication. Despite being in his mid-sixties, he appeared fit and ready to coach his grandson.
This example highlights the power of finding deep inspiration behind our goals. When individuals have a strong connection to their motivations, such as coaching a loved one, it becomes a driving force that propels them forward. It’s not just about superficial goals like weight loss; it’s about embracing a meaningful purpose that ignites their commitment and leads to lasting transformations.
What advice do you have for those seeking a mindset/personal development coach?
When searching for a mindset/personal development coach, it’s important to conduct thorough research. Begin by visiting their website or landing page to gather information about their program and offerings. However, I strongly advise against purchasing without further exploration. A reputable coach who prioritizes their clients will provide a free phone call or consultation. This call presents an opportunity to assess if the coach is the right fit for you.
Consider your core values as a guiding factor. Run the coach through your core values and assess if they align with what you hold important. Do they speak the same language and value the same things? It’s essential to choose a coach who genuinely has your best interests in mind and aligns with your goals. Ensure that their expertise matches the specific areas you are seeking support in. For example, if you are a woman going through menopause and struggling with feelings of beauty and desirability, seek a coach who specializes in addressing those concerns. If your goals involve improving health, wealth, or relationships with your children, find a coach with a relevant game plan and approach.
During your conversations with potential coaches, pay attention to the connection you feel with them. It will be challenging to fully engage and absorb their teachings if you don’t have a good rapport or alignment with their personality style. Personality style and message are critical factors in the coaching relationship.
In summary, take the time to thoroughly evaluate potential coaches and ensure they align with your values, goals, and needs. Seek out coaches who offer a free consultation or phone call to assess compatibility. Building a strong connection and finding alignment will contribute to a more fruitful and impactful coaching experience.
How can individuals learn more about you?
To learn more about what I offer, the best way is to visit go.project9life.com. On the website, you’ll find informative videos that provide an overview of my approach and services. There is a simple form where you can enter your name, phone number, and email. After submitting the form, you’ll be directed to a scheduling link. This link allows you to book a free 15 to 20-minute phone call via Zoom. During the call, we can have a conversation about your current situation, goals, past experiences, challenges, and more. The purpose of this call is to determine if we are the right fit for each other and to explore how I can assist you in moving forward. The process is straightforward and easy to follow. Just visit project9life.com to get started.
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Jeremy Baker is an Author and contributor to Small Business Trendsetters and Business Innovators Magazine, covering Influencers, Innovators and Trendsetters in Business, Health, Finance and Personal Development.