Long time Big Picture™ coaching clients and consciously committed “entrepreneurial” partners, Matt and Karen balance work and family priorities by regularly revisiting their Big Picture vision. They began their relationship this way and they stay on track by giving themselves and their relationship visioning and self-reflection time in spite of how busy their lives may be. Coaching helps them do this consistently as a couple.”

Nine years ago, while seriously dating, Matt and Karen participated in a 5 month long Big Picture Partnering couple’s coaching workshop. They learned how to partner very well! They became engaged, married, have moved a number of times internationally for Richard’s corporate career, and are raising two young daughters. This week they are celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary!

Attention to their relationship and family life has always been prioritized equally as important as Karen’s creative interests and Matt’s high-level career.

They also attend to their extended family values, needs, concerns with aging parents and siblings who are younger – developing their own careers and family lives and less well off.

To keep their priorities balanced—while keeping their eye on their long-range visions—this couple has continuously invested in all phases of the Big Picture coaching programs to stay connected and to stay on track individually and as a couple.

They each started with individual coaching basics where they connected to their values and passions. Then they learned to integrate this in a strong partnership. Currently they each coach individually as needed and together they reach out when making big life decisions — like moving around the globe for Matt’s high-performing career.

They regularly revisit their Big Picture vision. They began their relationship this way and they stay on track by giving themselves and their relationship visioning and self-reflection time in spite of how busy their lives may be. Coaching helps them do this consistently.

The other day during our individual coaching session I asked them what they were doing for their 7th anniversary.

Here’s what Matt said:

“We’re going to have a celebration dinner and talk about what we are most proud of over the past 7 years and what we want to be proud of 7 years from now.”

Now that’s quite a celebration!

Dr. Jan Hoistad