Gracie Miller is a Certified Career and Life Purpose Coach who helps you stop settling, get unstuck, and love your life. Through a structured process of self-exploration, determining options, identifying blocks, and pursuing dreams her goal is to help realign you with your most authentic self and communicate who that is in ways that support you.
Since 2012 Gracie has provided career clarity for clients as diverse as young professionals to senior executives; those returning to work after a break; business owners; aspiring entrepreneurs; and people in transition.
Gracie’s mission is to help you embody the life you were born to live- personally, professionally, or both- and ignite a spark in you that inspires others to pursue their path as well.
Where did the idea for Live Life Purpose Coaching come from?
The idea for Live Life Purpose Coaching was born out of two needs – the first was when I was younger and struggling to figure out what my life should be about, and the second need happened when I was older and working as a health coach. I was listening to a lot of patients talk about health issues that were stemming from the stress of their jobs or lives, but I wasn’t allowed to discuss anything that wasn’t explicitly health-related. I had received career coaching years earlier and knew it was time to get my own certification so that I could help people in more areas of life.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with an almond milk latte in my kitchen, followed by emails to clients, website updates, or work on an article. Then I meet with coaching clients online (most often career changers and newer entrepreneurs, but some general life coaching as well). Between clients I type up their notes, assign homework to do before I see them again, and prep for my next clients by reading their homework. I make it productive by switching things up- some days I work from a cafe with a friend, other days I take a break to go for a run. If I need to stop because I’m not being productive I just take the break, focus on anything else, and get back into it 20 minutes later. I’ve learned that forcing my way through when I’m not focused doesn’t work for me, but a short break does.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I have created a lot of workshops and coaching packages in the last 7 years, and the simplest way I know of to bring ideas to life is to ask myself, “What do people need the most? What will help them in concrete and lasting ways?” If I’m not 100% sure that my next idea will be super helpful, I retool it until it is. Ultimately I have an agenda of making a difference in people’s lives, so I want my ideas to be the little foot soldiers who carry out this agenda.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me is that more people are believing that it’s possible to live a life they love. For many generations the idea that work could be anything more than a paycheck was unheard of. It’s only been recently that we’ve considered the idea that we can really enjoy what we do or design a life that isn’t all about work. I’m loving the work-life balance dialogue that’s happening on a wider scale, the digital nomad work force and the greater (albeit slow) acceptance of coming back to work after years of care giving.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Getting very clear on my ‘why’, my purpose for doing this business. Then asking myself, “Will _____ (thing in question) help me live my purpose?” If the answer is no, I don’t do it anymore.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell younger Gracie that you don’t have to accomplish everything at once. I wanted everything right now when I was younger, including knowledge, skills, and a clear life purpose. But I didn’t have it all figured out and there are things I may never figure out. And that’s okay. Life can also be about what happens while you’re trying to understand what on Earth you’re doing here!
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Many people don’t believe our thoughts have true power over us. But your capacity for success in life is largely dependent on your self-worth. Work on your limiting beliefs about yourself and you will see changes financially, emotionally, and in relationships. Our thoughts about ourselves can either make us believe we deserve that promotion or we can start a business, or they tell us we’re not ready for that and why bother. Get conscious of and intentional about your own thoughts and you can design a life that will blow you away.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Check for, and rewire, limiting beliefs. Upper limits/ceilings around income, beliefs around what you’re capable of, ideas about what the business can do, or limits you impose around your reputation can all get in the way of running a business and instead, create conditions of letting the business run you.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Connecting with others who write about similar topics of success and offering to collaborate. That way people who are already looking for information about career, life purpose, or have a growth mindset will find me.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
A sales funnel that involved ads on social media that led to a webinar that was poorly attended. I’m sure I could’ve refined it, but I’d rather spend my energy capitalizing on my strengths, and sales funnels aren’t that. I went back to what I was doing more of at the time, running workshops and meeting people in person who could get a sense of what I could do for them, offering a free consult, and going from there.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Healingpalooza- a healing retreat based on the music festival craze where you pay one entry fee and can go to any number of healing professionals in one place. You’d meet other spiritual and health conscious people, perhaps resolve a long-standing issue or two, and get some time in nature all in one place.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently made a guest room into an office by simply painting and getting a new desk. It’s so much warmer than my previous home office. Totally worth it.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I’ve enjoyed Calendly for scheduling clients. You can send a link to clients to find a time that works for them, or simply have your Calendly link on your website. It removes some of the back and forth of finding a time you’re both available. I’ve also used Acuity for this.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
If you’re a service-based business I recommend Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port. It made a difference to me by helping me get really clear about what I do, why it’s different than the competition, and how to find my ideal clients.
What is your favorite quote?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
Key Learnings:
- I’ve become infinitely more patient as I’ve gotten older!
- I could’ve named a million failures, which I love because I lived through them and the business is still standing.
- The ideas I have all revolve around helping people reduce suffering and live their best lives.
Connect:
www.livelifepurpose.com
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.