Name of Businesses: Aviva Coaching & Authentic Vida
Profession: life & business coach, psychotherapist LCSW, and writer
Length of Time in Business: 9 years
Office Location: Mamaroneck & virtual
Number of kids and ages: two kids ages 19 and 16
What did you do before starting these businesses? I attended professional development programs, taking advanced training in evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy and obtaining coaching certifications. To this day I continue developing my skills in coaching, mindfulness, and compassionate mind training.
Before going out on my own I had many jobs including, career counselor/academic advisor, adjunct professor, communications specialist, project manager, realtor, administrative assistant, and more.
Why did you start these businesses? I think life is meant to be experienced in technicolor, with all the sparkle and enthusiasm that comes from making the most of every opportunity. I want to share the information I’ve learned from over 30 years of study and personal practice, to collaborate with others who want to make the most of their lives, based on what’s most important to them.
Thriving in life means being engaged in meaningful work (paid or unpaid), developing positive relationships, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and trusting yourself to handle life’s challenges. It’s both a simple and complex process.
What do you love most about what I do now? I have the privilege of working with people in a sacred way, offering support and accountability when it comes to how they spend their time, which turns out to be how they spend their lives. I help people organize their minds and manage their energy, so they can move towards what matters to them most.
What is your best tip for fellow entrepreneurs? Join or create a small group of like-minded professionals or small business owners for inspiration and support. Building relationships makes the process of growing your business more fun and also means you’ll have a network of people to brainstorm ideas with, find out about other business-to-business services and products, and possibly generate leads. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t wait, find a coach or mentor to help you so you don’t waste time in limbo.
Do you have any tips for moms looking to reinvent themselves? First, remember it’s never too late to make a change. Change is constant, it’s going to happen anyway, taking a deep dive into what you want means you’re more likely to get there.
Next, think or write about how you spend your days and how you feel most days. What do you absolutely want to keep in your routine? What would you like to add more of? Is anything missing? Is there too much of something?
You can also write down what an ideal week would look like, not a week of vacation, just an ordinary week you design with intention - what time do you wake up and go to bed, how do you spend your time in between? Notice how much of your ideal week focuses on meaningful work, positive relationships, a healthy lifestyle, and reconnecting with yourself to help you manage your energy and cope with life’s difficulties.
Paying attention to your everyday life in this way can help you figure out if you are on the right track or could benefit by making some changes.
My websites are: www.avivacoaching.com & www.authenticvida.com
Learn with me! Be sure to check out learningwithlizwoods.com!